The Australian champion defended his IBF title with another punishing performance on December 6.
He stopped mandatory challenger Huseyin Cinkara in the eighth round.
The decisive ending raised immediate concern for Cinkara’s health.
Medical staff transported Cinkara to hospital after the fight.
Reports suggested doctors discovered bleeding on his brain.
Officials released the 40-year-old several days later.
He continues recovering from a fractured neck.
Opetaia’s reign grows amid outside criticism
Opetaia now holds four successful IBF title defences in his second reign.
He reclaimed the belt by defeating former champion Mairis Briedis twice.
Some critics say his record lacks elite names beyond those victories.
Opetaia has consistently pursued unification bouts.
He targeted former WBO champion Chris Billam-Smith.
He also chased a showdown with unified titleholder Gilberto “Zurdo” Ramirez.
Those plans stalled when David Benavidez announced a move to cruiserweight.
Benavidez will challenge Ramirez next May.
That bout appears to block Opetaia’s route to a two-belt fight.
Another belt offers a new route forward
One major title remains open to Opetaia.
Noel Mikaelian now holds the WBC belt.
Mikaelian regained the title by beating Badou Jack in Las Vegas last weekend.
The fight failed to leave a lasting impression.
Mikaelian has publicly welcomed a bout with Opetaia.
That stance gives the IBF champion renewed hope for unification.
