The International Boxing Federation has filed a motion to dismiss Jai Opetaia’s lawsuit in federal court ahead of a September deadline. The legal dispute follows the sanctioning body’s decision to strip Opetaia of his cruiserweight title.
The motion was submitted on 25 August in the US District Court for the District of Nevada. The IBF raised two procedural objections, arguing its regulations required Opetaia to file the case in New Jersey, where the organization is based. Furthermore, the sanctioning body claims Opetaia launched legal proceedings without completing its mandatory internal appeal process. Opetaia has until 8 September to submit a response.
A ruling on procedural grounds would not address the merits of Opetaia’s allegations.
Central to the lawsuit is a $73,000 sanctioning fee. Opetaia alleges the IBF accepted the payment shortly before his fight against Brandon Glanton on 8 March, before withdrawing approval. The IBF stated the money arrived on 6 March and was returned the following day. Opetaia claims the IBF accepted the fee without making required disclosures under the Muhammad Ali Boxing Reform Act. The sanctioning body withdrew sanction after learning the Zuffa Boxing cruiserweight belt would be awarded, as its rules only recognize unifications involving the IBF, WBA, WBC, and WBO. Opetaia alleges this refusal was part of a coordinated effort to penalize him for joining a rival promoter.
Meanwhile, Noel Mikaelian faces losing his WBC cruiserweight title after accepting a bout against Opetaia on 12 September. The WBC had ordered Mikaelian to defend against David Benavidez, but Mikaelian opted for the Opetaia contest on the Ryan Garcia versus Conor Benn card. Despite losing the IBF belt, Opetaia remains recognized as The Ring champion and the division’s leading figure.
