Ring and IBF cruiserweight champion Jai Opetaia is stuck taking middling matchups as the rest of the division crown holders figure themselves out.

Opetaia (28-0, 22 KOs) is set for another mandatory title defense against Huseyin Cinkara (23-0, 19 KOs) on December 6 in Queensland, Australia.

In 2026, however, Opetaia wants to ensure more meaningful slugfests are in store against WBA and WBO champion Gilberto Ramirez and WBC belt holder Badou Jack.

“It feels good to be back in the ring,” Opetaia told reporters Thursday after announcing his fight. “Obviously, we want the unification fights, but once again we've been derailed. But we have a job to do. We're still on the mission to become undisputed. So we need to take care of business on December 6.

“Every single fight and step in the ring is a statement for me. It's war. I prepare for everything they bring, and this is no different. I belong there and deserve these unification fights.”

“Zurdo” Ramirez has been sidelined after undergoing shoulder surgery this summer, while Jack has still has to face Noel Mikaelian in a rematch following their majority draw in May.

Opetaia aims to take on the champions next year to set up a highly desirable fight against David Benavidez, who’s currently campaigning as the WBC light heavyweight champion, but has plans to move up for the right fight.

“We want to fight Benavidez – let's do it,” said Opetaia. “I'm pumped for that. I would love to fight Benavidez. He's a great fighter with a great following who's been in the ring with some great fighters. Once we tick that box, who knows? Maybe the heavyweight chapter starts then. Heavyweight will happen when I say it's ready, not when people want to throw it in my face. I'm not chasing the money. I'm chasing the dream. But I'm not rushing my journey for anyone else. I've had a dream to become undisputed my whole life, and that's what I am going to become.”

In the meantime, Opetaia has been left grasping for straws against second-rate opposition. His resume is missing star appeal, outside of his pair of hotly contested decision wins against Mairis Briedis in 2022 and 2024.

Sandwiched in between have been comfortable stoppages against a group that features Jordan Thompson, Ellis Zorro, Jack Massey, David Nyika, and Claudio Squeo.

Although undefeated, the little-known 40-year-old Cinkara figures to be another no-hoper come December.