“They will let Jai fight for the titles and unify the division, which is exactly what he wants to do,” Francis said in an interview with Boxing King Media.
The clarification is notable given public comments from Zuffa president Dana White, who has repeatedly stated that Zuffa Boxing plans to build its own rankings and titles rather than operate within the existing sanctioning-body structure.
Opetaia’s deal includes room for him to continue chasing the remaining belts at cruiserweight.
Francis described the flexibility as a key part of getting the deal done, framing it as a shared interest rather than a compromise.
“His personal brand will blow up and go through the roof,” Francis said. “He wants to unify the titles. He wants someone to believe in him, support him, and really get behind what he’s trying to do.”
Opetaia, who is unbeaten through 29 fights with 23 knockouts, already holds the IBF belt along with lineal recognition and The Ring title at cruiserweight. His signing with Zuffa was announced in mid-January, making him one of the promotion’s first high-profile acquisitions ahead of its debut event on January 23.
Francis also indicated that Opetaia’s activity will not slow under the new arrangement, noting that two fights are already in place, with at least one expected to be announced soon.
For Zuffa, the agreement allows the promotion to showcase one of the division’s most credible champions while still supporting his push toward undisputed status. For Opetaia, it keeps his career moving in the direction he has been clear about since winning his first world title: collecting belts and settling the division in the ring.
