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IBF does not approve Opetaia-Zorro fight

Andrew Karlov | Published Dec. 9, 2023, 5:40 a.m.

Jai Opetaya and Ellis Zorro. Getty Images

IBF world heavyweight champion Jai Opetaya (23-0, 18 KOs) did not receive permission from the International Boxing Federation to defend his title against Ellisa Zorro (17-0, 7 KOs).

The fight will be part of a boxing evening that will take place on December 23 in Riyadh. At the request of the IBF, Opetaia must fight official challenger Mairis Briedis in his next fight. If the Australian meets Zorro in Saudi Arabia, he could lose the championship belt.

For Zorro, this was supposed to be the first fight for the world title in the professional ring. Opetaja last boxed in September, when he returned to the ring after more than a year of inactivity.

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