Jai Opetaia set to close out 2025 on top against German opponent

Bout: Jai Opetaia vs Huseyin Cinkara

When: Sunday 7 December, 1am (NZT)

Location: Gold Coast Convention and Exhibition Centre, Gold Coast, Australia

Pacific boxing fans are in for a thrilling weekend as Jai Opetaia closes out his remarkable 2025 year against German cruiserweight Huseyin Cinkara.

Opetaia will look to maintain his undefeated 28-0 streak, finally stepping into the ring with Cinkara after a 11-month delay, following Cinkara’s last minute withdrawal due to an ankle injury.

Head Coach and father of Jai, Tapu Opetaia, told Tasman Fighters adjustments have been made leading up to Sunday's bout.

Jai Opetaia training with his father, Tapu Opetaia. Photo/Facebook

“I’ve had to do my homework on how Cinkara will fight, so we’ll bring different things to the way [Jai] fights and the way he will approach everything,” Tapu says.

While this will be Cinkara’s first time fighting outside of Europe, it has not hindered his winning mentality.

In an article published by The Ring, Cinkara shared with reporters his feelings on fighting in the Oceania region.

“Fighting in Australia is not a disadvantage. On the contrary, a victory on foreign soil will be even greater. I feel no pressure, only excitement. I also receive many messages from my Turkish fans in Australia,” Sinkara says.

Records

Jai Opetaia

Nationality: Australian

Age: 30

Height: 6’2

Reach: 76”

Total fights: 28

Record: 28-0, 22 knockouts (KOs)

Huseyin Cinkara

Nationality: German

Age: 40

Height: 6’3”

Total fights: 23

Record: 23-0 (19 KOs)

Previous outings

• Jai has won his previous three outings against opponents all ranked three stars or lower.

• Most recent was a round five KO against Italian Claudio Squeo in June.

• Nicknamed “The Nice Guy,” Jai Opetaia knocked out Kiwi boxer David Nyika in the fourth round this past January.

• In October 2024, UK opponent Jack Massey’s team threw in the towel against Jai in round six.

• Cinkara had a brief outing in the ring in April, scoring a first-round TKO against Venezuela’s Juan Diaz.

• Kosovan Armend Xhoxhaj also suffered an early exit when Cinkara dubbed another TKO this time in round two.