IBF and Ring Magazine cruiserweight world champion Jai Opetaia (22-0) has signed a co-promotional deal with Eddie Hearn’s Matchroom Boxing.
The move will hopefully pave the way for Opetaia to lock in his first title defence, with the IBF ordering him to face Englishman Richard Riakporhe after negotiations with Mateusz Masternak fell over.
As well as Opetaia, the deal will reportedly provide opportunities for other boxers in the Tasman Fighters stable, including the likes of Dana Coolwell, Taylah Robertson and Conor Wallace, to fight on Matchroom shows.
Wednesday’s announcement follows confirmation last week that Tasman Fighters had signed an exclusive broadcast deal with global streaming platform DAZN.
WATCH: Conor Wallace vs. Mat Sheehan, Tasman Fighters live on DAZN
Matchroom boss Hearn spoke following the announcement.
“I am thrilled to welcome Jai to the Matchroom Boxing Team and delighted to be working closely once again with Tasman Fighters,” said Hearn.
“Jai’s win over Briedis was an historic moment for Australian boxing and solidified him as the number one in the cruiserweight division.
“There is no doubt that he can collect all the belts to become undisputed ruler and not just become a superstar at home, but all over the world.
“Australian boxing continues to rise and Matchroom want to be a major part of that growth, and with Jai joining our other Aussie stars, we look to returning there soon.”
A host of Aussie fighters are already signed to Matchroom, including IBF bantamweight champion Ebanie Bridges, super-lightweight contenders Liam Paro and Stevie Spark, rising featherweight Skye Nicolson, while heavyweight prospect and Tasman Fighters alumni Justis Huni linked up with them in February.
Tasman Fighters boss Mick Francis hailed the impact the move will have on Australian boxing.
“The deal Tasman Fighters has struck with Matchroom is a massive opportunity for Jai Opetaia to move forward in his career on a global scale, it also opens the door for all of our contracted fighters and Australian boxing in general,” said Francis.
“Pathways for our athletes is something we consider is the key to developing boxing in this part of the world and with Matchroom it is finally a reality. We are looking forward to the future.”
WATCH: Conor Wallace vs. Mat Sheehan, Tasman Fighters live on DAZN
Opetaia hasn’t fought since becoming champion last July.
The 28-year-old suffered a badly broken jaw in that win over Mairis Briedis but has been ready to fight since the start of the year.
The southpaw spoke of his excitement at getting back in the ring.
“This is something that Tasman Fighters and myself have always worked towards and now I just want to start taking these big fights and unify all the titles,” said Opetaia.
