Opetaia-Glanton Preview

On Sunday, March 8th, the newest promotional player in the sport of Boxing, Zuffa Boxing will showcase its fourth Boxing card at the MetaPlex in Las Vegas, NV. While this observer has quietly observed the previous three Zuffa events this column will not focus on the promotion itself, nor will it delve too deeply into its spearheading legislation that some will argue could lead to radical change in the sport of Boxing both for good and bad, but what Zuffa 4 will produce is the first world championship bout promoted under the Zuffa banner as in the main event undefeated IBF World Cruiserweight champion Jai Opetaia will defend his title against current IBF number fifteen rated Cruiserweight contender Brandon Glanton in a scheduled twelve round bout that can be seen in the United States on digital subscription general entertainment network Paramount+. 

This fight obviously will mark the first bout for the champion under the Zuffa banner, but most knowledgeable Boxing fans are likely aware that Jai Opetaia has quickly evolved into one of the sport’s hottest rising stars and through his aggressive style as a “Knockout Artist,” who has developed a reputation for scoring devastating knockouts, has been able to shine a light squarely on the often scarce Cruiserweight division that has consistently lacked both long-term name recognition value as well as marquee match ups that generate the type of attention that is often afforded to other divisions throughout the sport when top fighters in a division face each other, most notably the Heavyweight division. Much like virtually every notable Cruiserweight before him, Opetaia appears destined at some point to set his sights on the Heavyweight division both for bigger paydays and more mainstream recognition.

In twenty-nine professional bouts, Opetaia has scored twenty-three knockouts registering a near 80% career knockout percentage. Perhaps the most scary among those knockouts came in his last title defense last December when he scored a brutal eighth round knockout of previously undefeated Huseyin Cinkara in his native Australia. A knockout that left Cinkara hospitalized for several days with a brain bleed and a fractured vertebrae. While obviously no one wants to see any fighter sustain serious injuries, the knockout served as another example not only of what Opetaia is capable of, but the type of power he has in either hand. The type of punching power that is just as dangerous and capable of ending a fight at any moment as it progresses as it is early in a bout.

On this occasion, Opetaia will step in the ring with veteran contender Brandon Glanton. While Glanton will come into this fight rated fifteenth by the IBF and is likely viewed as a significant underdog, he does have a respectable record of 21-3, with 18 Knockouts and has a career knockout percentage of over 85% coming into what will be his first world championship opportunity. Glanton is a boxer/puncher that in addition to slowing an ability to score knockouts in his own right, has also never been stopped in his career and has shown the ability to go deep into fights as well. 

What this fight will come down to in my eyes will all center on whether Glanton will be able to deal with and have an answer for the non-stop pressure and power of the champion. The thing that we have not really seen to this point is how Jai Opetaia will respond to a significant test. Brandon Glanton does have a well-rounded skillset and it will be interesting to see if he will be the opponent that can provide such a test.

In addition to the IBF world championship in the Cruiserweight division as well as recognition by Ring Magazine as its champion, this bout represents the first Zuffa Boxing world championship bout. Not simply the first world title bout promoted by Zuffa, but a world title bout in which the promotion which is part of TKO group which includes both the Ultimate Fighting Championship (UFC) and WWE under its corporate umbrella, will recognize its own champion complete with world championship belt as the promotion is attempting to establish a different format in the sport known as Unified Boxing Organizations (UBO’s) which in essence mirrors the format of the sport of Mixed Martial Arts (MMA) where championships and rankings vary by specific promotion rather than rankings and championships being overseen by an independent sanctioning body. While the jury is out on whether this approach will be successful, beneficial for fighters, and likely requires a separate column in of itself due to the broader spectrum regarding proposed changes to the Muhammad Ali act, what I will say for now is even though the model of which the sport of MMA is not without its flaws and has thousands of promotions worldwide each with their own world championships per promotion, this should be viewed as an attempt to establish a different type of sanctioning organization albeit under a different format than the standard of traditional professional Boxing, but one that has been used with regard to Bareknuckle bouts that also have a promotional based championship format. Whether it will be successful on the traditional side of professional Boxing remains to be seen.

“And That's The Boxing Truth.”

Zuffa Boxing 04: Opetaia vs. Glanton takes place on Sunday, March 8th at the Metaplex in Las Vegas, NV. The fight as well as its full undercard can be seen in the United States on digital subscription entertainment streaming network Paramount+ beginning at 5:30PM ET/2:30PM PT. (*Card and Start Times Subject To Change*) Check your local listings internationally.

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Holly McMath looks to make a statement in high-stakes trilogy fight

Press Release: March 5, 2026 By Lewis Moss - On March 13, Dragon Fire Boxing Promotions returns to the Metro City Arena for their first event of the year.

Credit: Mike O'Hara/Dragon Fire Boxing 

 

In the main event, Ryan Daye looks to continue his climb back up the boxing ranks when he fights Jaidyn Chin for the WBC Australasian Silver Super Middleweight Title.

 

Earlier in the card, the rivalry between Holly McMath and Sarah Higginson finally comes to a close in their highly anticipated trilogy fight.

 

When speaking with McMath, she made it clear that no stone has been left unturned in preparation.

 

“I am very excited about this fight, I've changed a lot in my camp,” McMath said. 

 

“I've sacrificed more than I ever have. I've moved [to Big Rigs Gym] and I’m training with more intensity. 

 

“There's no way I'm going to lose, this has been a long camp.”

 

Back in April 2025, the two women met for the first time. Despite a dominating display from McMath, the fight was cut short after an accidental head clash rendered Higginson unable to continue. 

 

When they met again in November, the two fought to a split draw after a much more back and forth encounter. 

 

Looking back on the second fight, McMath admitted that the judges’ scorecards left her frustrated and even more determined to settle things decisively this time.

 

“The only thing that probably surprised me was the incompetence of the judging,” McMath said.

 

“I see where they're coming from,  I understand that her aggression scored her some points, but you also need to be landing punches and my jab was keeping her away.

 

“I knew she wanted it, but she didn't bring anything new. The fight went exactly how I thought it was going to go.

 

“It's super important to put a big stamp on this one.”

 

When the fight was announced, it was revealed that the WBC Australasian Interim Flyweight title would be on the line. 

 

McMath said that the championship at stake is another motivating factor for her to win.

 

“This [fight] is going to mean everything because it's for the WBC Australasian title” McMath told. 

 

“The winner will potentially have a top ten ranking in the world and my ultimate goal is to fight for a world title.

 

“But at the moment, I'm only thinking about March 13. I truly believe I will be a different fighter.”

 

With high stakes involved for both women, it will be intriguing to see how their year-long feud ends.

Material Courtesy of Lewis Moss/Photo Courtesy of Mike O’Hara Dragon Fire Boxing Used with permission.

The Boxing Truth® is a registered trademark of Beau Denison All Rights Reserved.

Billy Quinncroft eyes second title March 13 Thunderdome 53

Press Release: March 5, 2026 By Dragon Fire Boxing- DragonFire Promotions returns to the Metro City Night Club on March 13 for what promises to be an explosive night of local boxing.

Credit: Mike O'Hara Dragon Fire Boxing 

 

In the main event, Ryan Daye takes on Jaidyn Chin in an intriguing match-up for the WBC Australasian Silver Super Middleweight Title.

 

Earlier in the card, WA State Cruiserweight Champion Billy Quinncroft returns to Perth when he takes on Lewis Clarke.

 

Speaking ahead of the bout, Quinncroft said he’s eager to fight in front of the Perth crowd again, having not competed in the state for 10 months.

 

“I'm looking forward to [fighting in Perth again],” Quinncroft said.

 

“It feels like it's been a little while since I was [in Perth], given the [Will Cleggett] cancellation and that I also had a bit of a break.

 

“[ThunderDome] always has a good crowd and a good vibe.”

 

In August last year, Quinncroft was scheduled to defend his title against number one contender Will Cleggett at ThunderDome 51.

 

However days before the event, Cleggett tested positive for COVID and the matchup was ultimately cancelled.

 

Although Quinncroft was disappointed that the fight did not take place, he felt fortunate, considering he had broken his nose twice during camp.

 

“I felt a bit down, because I spent so much time preparing” Quinncroft told.

 

“In that camp I actually did break my nose, so it was probably a blessing in disguise that the fight did get called off.

 

“I was ready to take the risk, but [not fighting] was probably the smarter decision. It actually helps me, because I want to look after my body a bit more.”

 

Standing in his way on March 13 is Lewis Clarke, who won two state title eliminator bouts against Bilal Seidu over the past year.

 

When asked about his upcoming opponent, the state champion showed respect to his future foe.

 

“[Lewis] had two tough fights against Bilal, the first one was very close and it could have gone either way” Quinncroft said. 

 

“He definitely boxed a lot better in the second fight to show his worth. 

 

“Lewis is a skilful boxer, so I'm looking for a chess match.

 

“We're both going to be respectful because we know what we both can do. I'm just looking forward to it and let the best man win.”

 

When the fight was announced by DragonFire Promotions, it was revealed that the ANBF Cruiserweight title would be at stake. 

 

Quinncroft said the opportunity to add a second title to his resume has given him even more motivation heading into the clash with Clarke.

 

“I'm absolutely buzzing, I’m so massively thankful to Tony [Tolj],” Quinncroft said.

 

“Going for the ANBF Australasian title for my fifth professional boxing match is amazing. I know there are levels to boxing, but this is another one for me.

 

 

Material Courtesy of Dragon Fire Boxing/Photo Courtesy of Mike O’Hara Dragon Fire Boxing Used with permission.

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UPDATE: WBC Statement On Decision To Sanction Usyk-Verhoeven

In a follow-up to the column that was released on the website on Sunday, March 1st, discussing the recently announced upcoming World Heavyweight championship bout between Olekaandr Usyk and former World Heavyweight Kickboxing champion Rico Verhoeven, which will take place during the month of May in Egypt, the World Boxing Council (WBC) released an official statement on it's website and social media platforms regarding its decision to sanction the bout for it's version of the World Heavyweight championship, despite Verhoeven only having one professional fight as a professional boxer.

The statement can be read below:

Credit: World Boxing Council

We will have a preview of this World Heavyweight championship bout released here on The Boxing Truth® as we get closer to the event and will keep readers updated on further developments as they become available.

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Usyk vs. Verhoeven For WBC World Heavyweight Championship?

Credit: DAZN

In the summer of last year, future Hall of Famer Oleksandr Usyk further cemented his legacy by becoming the first man in Boxing history to have fully unified the Undisputed World Heavyweight championship twice, adding a third undisputed crown to his extensive list of accomplishments following previously unifying the Cruiserweight division before setting his sights on the Heavyweight division. As record-setting and ground breaking as Usyk’s second unification of the World Heavyweight championship was, it came as a result of the politics that be in the sport of Boxing ensuring a short first reign by not allowing him to maintain the undisputed crown while fulfilling his contractually mandated obligation to give Tyson Fury, the man he defeated for his first undisputed crown at Heavyweight, an immediate rematch.

Unfortunately for Usyk, his second undisputed championship at Heavyweight would have a similar outcome as the first as shortly after he reclaimed the IBF world championship by scoring a knockout of Daniel Dubois in their rematch, the WBO stripped him off their world championship for not fulfilling his mandatory defense obligations, which ultimately resulted in Fabio Wardley eventually being crowned WBO World Heavyweight champion. As frustrating as the politics of Boxing can frustrate and bewilder both fan and Boxing scribes alike, for better or worse, each individual sanctioning organization has their own policies and procedures and at least in theory, try to ensure that fighters deemed mandatory challengers get their title shots in a timely manner. 

While the aforementioned statement is factual, this observer will concede that it probably does sound like a good public relations spin to the Boxing fan that each respective sanctioning organization likely would like to use from time to time. When such policies and procedures alienate fans and fighters as well, however, there are times where fighters will look for an alternative rather than trying to rectify whatever grievance they may have with a given sanctioning organization.

In all truth and honesty with the reader, after Usyk’s victory over Dubois last summer, his second knockout win over the hard hitting former IBF world champion in two fights, I frankly felt he had nothing more to prove after successfully fully unifying the Heavyweight to division twice and having three undisputed world championships to his name overall, all while remaining undefeated his entire career. It was therefore a surprise to yours truly to hear the announcement that Usyk will step into the ring in May in defense of the WBC portion of the World Heavyweight championship.

Why would a noted Boxing journalist and historian with over three decades of covering Combat Sports, with Boxing as his primary be surprised? It did not have anything to do with my aforementioned stance that I felt Usyk had accomplished everything he set out to do and did not have anything left to prove that would somehow add to nor diminish his legacy, but rather who the chosen opposition would be for this title defense, which will take place in Egypt that will play host to its first World Heavyweight championship fight in history.

Usyk’s choice was not a notable contender or a former world champion such as Deontay Wilder, who had long been rumored to be in the short running of potential opponents, nor was it undefeated current WBC number one contender Agit Kabayel, but instead will come in the form of legendary Kickboxing World Heavyweight champion Rico Verhoeven. Before I go any further, I feel it important to state for the reader that this column is not a preview of the aforementioned upcoming bout, but rather centers on my reaction to this announcement of the bout that will take place on May 23rd.

My reaction was one of curiosity. While there is no disputing that Rico Verhoeven is a Hall of Famer in the sport of Kickboxing and one of the top pound for pound fighters in that sport, he has had only one professional fight as a boxer and though he won that fight via knockout, that outing came twelve years from when this fight will take place. The question is obvious, how can the WBC see it's way clear to give a title shot to a great fighter from a different sport, but one with a limited background in Boxing?

Obviously, this observer cannot answer that question, but it is one that the WBC should answer. In light of some controversial decisions the organization has made in recent times and with upstart promotional entities like Zuffa Boxing, who seem intent on breaking established norms including legislation with the intent to freeze out independent sanctioning organizations in favor of a promotional based model, the WBC does owe an explanation. While the curiosity is certainly there and I look forward to delving deeper on the subject as we get closer to the bout, most would say that there are fighters currently in the WBC’s Heavyweight ratings with more Boxing experience that would be more qualified in this combat realm for a title shot. For that, the WBC needs to elaborate on their position.

“And That's The Boxing Truth.”

Photo Courtesy of: DAZN Used with permission.

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Gloves Off: Fundora vs. Thurman Now Streaming On Prime Video

Press Release: February 28, 2026 By Prime Video -

 

The eighth installment of Gloves Off explores the compelling, high-stakes world championship showdown between one of the sport’s hottest new stars and a crafty former champion as they headline an action-packed PBC Pay-Per-View event on Prime Video on Saturday, March 28

Credit: Prime Video 

NEW YORK—February 27, 2026— Today, Prime Video announced Gloves Off: Fundora vs Thurman. the latest installment of its compelling, all-access docuseries. Debuting Saturday, Feb. 28 on Prime Video, this edition explores the journey both WBC Super Welterweight World Champion Sebastian Fundora and his formidable challenger Keith Thurman have taken in preparation for this high-stakes 154-pound world championship showdown. The PBC Pay-Per-View on Prime Video event is set to take place at the MGM Grand Garden Arena in Las Vegas.

 

Few boxers have had a more satisfying two-year run than California native Sebastian Fundora (23-1-1, 15 KOs). The reigning WBC Super Welterweight Champion, Fundora is putting his title on the line versus a fighter who excels in the international spotlight. Keith Thurman (31-1, 23 KOs) soared through the welterweight ranks, unifying the titles at 147 pounds.  Now, the seasoned Clearwater, FL native is making his first bid for a 154-pound title against a red-hot fighter in his prime.

Narrated by Barry Pepper, the series takes fans beyond the ring, blending footage of fighters' lives, families, and training, as excitement builds for this prime-time showcase in a city famous for career-defining performances.

Material Courtesy and Photo Courtesy of: Prime Video Used with permission.

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Owen Corrigan returns for Light Heavyweight title Challenge March 13 in Perth – Thunderdome 53

Press Release: February 26, 2026 By Dragon Fire Boxing - One of the main events features rising prospect Owen “Bomber” Corrigan takes on Micah Rivetti for the Western Australian State Light Heavyweight Championship.

Credit: Mike O'Hara/Dragon Fire Boxing

Corrigan opens up about his title challenge;

“Training camp been great so far, no niggles or worries been feeling fresh throughout been working on both the body and mind. Feeling very confident at the moment”.

“It’s a sureal moment to say I’m fighting for a Western Australian title, I grew up dreaming of Irish and Celtic titles obviously life throws different challenges at you and you find yourself emigrating, I left Dublin on the 11th of March and arrived in Western Australia on the 13th of March subsequently 3 years to the day I find myself very proud to be apart of the community in Western Australia. The people, the state, the beaches, the city everything about it I’ve fallen deeply in love with. To become champion of the area and have my name and WA linked together forever I’d be deeply proud of.”

“I’ve sparred some very good boxers in preparation obviously I’ve watched my opponent and picked sparring partners that are similar. Been sparring everyone from middleweights to heavyweights, some of the rounds people should be charged to watch because they have been fire!!”

“Best of luck to my opponent, listen I’m not gonna talk any crap, end of day we both have 2 arms 2 legs and have our own reasons to be fighting we are going to leave it all in the ring.”

Tickets on sale now at megatix.com.au & the event will be broadcast by Livecombatsports.com.au

Material Courtesy of: Dragon Fire Boxing/ Photo Courtesy of: Mike O'Hara/ Dragon Fire Boxing Used with permission.

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