Jai Opetaia will return to the ring on September 12 after securing the co-main event slot on the Ryan Garcia versus Conor Benn card at T-Mobile Arena in Las Vegas.
An opponent for the Ring cruiserweight champion has not yet been finalized, though plans continue moving forward for Opetaia to compete on a card expected to rank among boxing’s biggest events of 2026. Mike Coppinger reported that sources confirmed the Australian star’s place on the bill.
His addition gives the promotion another world-class attraction beneath the headliner, where Garcia meets Benn for the WBC welterweight title. Interest in the show has already been substantial, with ticket sales reaching impressive levels following its announcement.
Opetaia, 31, enters the bout after a wide 12-round unanimous decision over Brandon Glanton on March 8 at the UFC Apex in Las Vegas. The former IBF champion has remained active outside the ring as well, filing a lawsuit against the sanctioning body this month in an effort to regain the title he lost after the Glanton fight and to prevent the organization from recognizing a new champion while the case is pending.
Attention now turns to who will share the ring with Opetaia. Several names remain under consideration, although no agreement has been announced. Confirmation of his opponent will complete one of September’s strongest boxing cards, pairing one of the sport’s premier cruiserweights with one of the year’s most anticipated main events. The announcement is expected in the coming weeks as preparations continue.
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Last Updated on 2026/07/28 at 4:12 PM
