Jai Opetaia survived a fierce second-round scare and unleashed a brutal left hook to stop his latest challenger in another dominant cruiserweight title defence. The Ring and IBF champion halted previously unbeaten German contender Huseyin Cinkara in round eight of their Gold Coast battle on Saturday. Opetaia absorbed two clean rights that staggered him in the second round, then trapped the German and delivered a crushing left hand that left the 40-year-old flat on the canvas for several minutes. The win marked his third savage finish at the Convention and Exhibition Centre this year. The 30-year-old extended his record to 29-0 and continued to push for unification fights next year. Cinkara applied early pressure but slowed after body shots in the fourth round. Opetaia admitted he needed the scare and viewed it as a reminder to stay grounded.
Champion Demands Bigger Tests
Opetaia criticised his own work and hoped the victory will finally draw another belt-holder into the ring next year. He said he performed poorly but accepted that those nights happen. He expressed frustration over mistakes but celebrated the win and vowed to return bigger, stronger and faster. He repeated his call for unification bouts and stated that he has chased the belts for a long time. Cinkara, speaking through a translator after recovering, acknowledged Opetaia’s superiority and called him the world’s best cruiserweight. He claimed he came prepared for war but left convinced Opetaia will take every belt in the division. Earlier, Jason Moloney and Max McIntyre scored stoppage victories over Herlan Gomez and Jed Morris. Paul Fleming and Jake Wyllie ended their fight with a draw in Fleming’s return after nearly three years away. One judge sided with Fleming, one with Wyllie, and one scored it level. Fleming expressed disbelief and argued that his opponent’s marked face proved he did not win. He reminded the crowd he returned after two and a half years away and fought two divisions heavier.
Statements, Setbacks and Rising Hopes
Moloney snapped a two-fight skid and declared he is close to regaining elite status. The bantamweight dropped Filipino opponent Gomez late in round one and forced a referee stoppage in round four. The 34-year-old fought across the United States, Canada and Tokyo since his previous Australian appearance more than three years ago. After a successful debut with new promoter Tasman Fighters, he insisted he can return to the top next year. His twin brother Andrew is scheduled to fight for the IBF super flyweight world title. Jason Moloney celebrated his long-awaited home return and thanked Tasman Fighters for the chance to rebuild. He promised relentless work, valued the platform to stay active and aimed for a world title next year for both himself and his brother.
