Jai Opetaia will be stripped of his IBF world title when he faces Brandon Glanton on his Zuffa Boxing debut.

They have released a statement via Boxing Scene which read: “The International Boxing Federation (IBF) has withdrawn sanction of the optional defense of the IBF Cruiserweight Title between champion Jai Opetaia and #15 ranked contender Brandon Glanton scheduled for March 8, 2026.

“With sanction withdrawn, the Opetaia vs. Glanton bout is now an Unsanctioned Contest.

"IBF Rule 5.H. states in part - 'An Unsanctioned Contest is a fight which the IBF has not formally approved for sanction or where sanction has been formally withdrawn'.

"'If a Champion participates in an unsanctioned contest within his prescribed weight limit, the title will be declared vacant whether the Champion wins or loses the bout'.”

https://talksport.com/boxing/4031463...-boxing-debut/