Jai Opetaia is back. The IBF and Ring Magazine cruiserweight champion will defend against Germany’s Huseyin Cinkara on Saturday 6 December 2025 at the Gold Coast Convention & Exhibition Centre in Broadbeach. Like his last outing against Claudio Squeo, which you can read more about here, it’s another home fight in Australia – which means UK fans have the same burning question: what time is Jai Opetaia vs Huseyin Cinkara on in the UK?

 

Here’s your complete UK fight guide with start times, broadcaster details, and what this mandatory defence means for one of boxing’s most avoided champions. The bout is locked in for Saturday 6 December in Queensland and will be shown live on DAZN for UK subscribers. Expect Jai Opetaia vs Huseyin Cinkara to fight early sunday morning for our UK viewers, with ring walks tipped for around 11:00 a.m. – 11:30 a.m. GMT. Justis Hunni after his first loss to Fabio Wardley, is slated as the first under-card fight. 

Jai Opetaia and Huseyin Cinkara face-off in a promotional fight poster.

Jai Opetaia v Huseyin Cinkara – UK Fight Time

UK start time: From 9:00 a.m. GMT (undercard begins)

Main event ring walks: Approximately 11:00 a.m. – 11:30 a.m. GMT

Local time (Gold Coast, Australia): Around 9:00 p.m. AEST on Saturday evening

UK broadcaster & price: Live on DAZN (standard subscription; no extra PPV fee announced)

Opetaia v Cinkara Undercard

  • Justis Huni vs Kiki Toa Leutele
  • Teremoana Teremoana, is also planned.
  • Promoters are set to flesh out the rest of the Gold Coast card over the coming weeks.

Form & Recent Fights – Jai Opetaia

  • Claudio Squeo – TKO 5 (June 2025, Gold Coast)
  • David Nyika – KO 4 (January 2025, Gold Coast)
  • Jack Massey – TKO 6 (October 2024, Riyadh)

Form & Recent Fights – Huseyin Cinkara

  • Juan Diaz – TKO 1 (April 2025, Germany)
  • Armend Xhoxhaj – TKO 2 (April 2024, Nuremberg)
  • Reinaldo Gonzalez – KO 1 (October 2023, Göppingen)

Is Jai Opetaia fighting for undisputed?

The IBF and Ring Magazine belts are on the line, but the bigger picture is clearing space for unifications. Fans searching for a Jai Opetaia undisputed fight will likely have to wait until 2026: Gilberto “Zurdo” Ramírez currently holds the WBA and WBO titles but is recovering from shoulder surgery, and the WBC belt is with Badou Jack, who is already slated to defend against Noel Mikaelian on December 13. If Opetaia takes care of business here, he’s perfectly placed to chase the remaining belts next year.

Our Analyst’s Verdict

Opetaia is the real deal. Since ripping the IBF belt from Mairis Briedis with a broken jaw, he has gone through opponents like a buzzsaw. Southpaw stance, fast feet, spiteful punching, it is a nightmare mix for anyone who comes straight at him.

Cinkara? Strong, unbeaten, dangerous, but untested. His knockout reel looks good on paper, yet none of his victims were anywhere near world level. Marching forward against Opetaia is a recipe for disaster, and unless he finds a way to drag the Aussie into a scrap, the gulf in class will show.

Expect Opetaia to set the distance early, time him coming in, and turn the screw. Our call, a clinical mid-round stoppage, another highlight for the champ’s growing collection.

What’s next for Opetaia?

The obvious target is Ramirez once he is fit, but a WBO interim angle could even bring a British name into the mix. That would be a smart play for DAZN and UK subscribers hungry for a fight closer to home.

What’s next for Cinkara?

Even in defeat, this fight elevates him into the world picture. No rematch clause has been flagged, so his route depends on how the IBF calendar looks and which broadcasters fancy rolling the dice on him next.

Jai Opetaia poses with fists raised in front of a city skyline.

Jai Opetaia vs Huseyin Cinkara Odds, Betting Tips and Prediction

When the markets open, do not expect any surprises, Opetaia will be chalked up as the overwhelming favourite. He is unbeaten, defending two belts, and fresh off back-to-back stoppages.

Cinkara will be the outsider, and rightly so. Yes, he can punch, but this is a leap in class. If you are betting, Opetaia to win inside the distance feels nailed on. The smart money is in the method markets, look for KO/TKO in the mid rounds. The romantic punt, Cinkara by early KO if he somehow drags Opetaia into a brawl.

Betting snapshot:

  • Favouritism: Opetaia huge favourite across bookmakers
  • Best value: Opetaia stoppage (rounds 5–8 look live)
  • Long shot: Cinkara KO/TKO in the first three rounds
  • Prediction: Opetaia by clinical mid-fight stoppage

Always gamble responsibly. Odds will tighten and shift as fight week approaches.

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