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Jai Opetaia manager hints at future plans following Zurdo Ramirez's win over Chris Billam-Smith

Jai Opetaia manager hints at future plans following Zurdo Ramirez's win over Chris Billam-SmithMark Robinson/Matchroom Boxing

IBF cruiserweight champion Jai Opetaia will not face Gilberto Ramirez in an immediate unification bout as the division saw a new lease of life this past weekend.

The Mexican prevailed in a huge fight with WBO champion Chris Billam-Smith in Riyadh to add the Briton's crown to his WBA belt with a dominant unanimous decision win.

Ramirez's performance sparked excitement amongst boxing fans for another unification fight with IBF title holder Opetaia who is considered the number one operator at 200lbs

Speaking to talkSPORT after the fight however, Opetaia's manager Mick Francis suggested a mandatory defence would be the priority before a bout with Zurdo himself.

"Jai probably didn’t watch the fight to be honest, I did," he said. "Jai was down in Sydney at his family’s place, I haven’t spoken with Jai since the fight.

"I don’t know what his thoughts are. We’ve got a fight in January against [Huseyin] Cinkara, so Jai’s got to fight for his mandatory before he can look at doing the Ramirez fight."

Usyk vs Fury 2

Cinkara hails from Germany and is unbeaten in his 22 fights as a professional with 18 of those wins coming by way of knockout.

His latest bout took place in April when he stopped Armend Xhoxhaj in the second round.

Opetaia meanwhile last fought in October when he stopped Jack Massey in the sixth round to register another successful defence of his crown.

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Oleksandr Usyk vs. Tyson Fury 2 and the full undercard will be broadcast live on DAZN Pay-Per-View worldwide in over 200 countries. 

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