Australian Boxing/SM Memorial thread

Yep and impressive that Browne carried that power late after being dropped and cut himself. I reckon he is just one of those guys whose hands are like cement.

 

it landed right on the bullseye which was the key.

 

Yep and he didn't see it coming

 

Watching the replay of the IBC cards lads. A bit rough around the edges but a back slappers delight.

 

Apparently The IBF Title Is On The Table

The IBF have just finally and belatedly said the IBF title WILL be on the table for the Opetaia-Glanton fight.

 

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Much ado about nothing…

 

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Sometimes boxing likes to self harm….

 

Congratulations to the IBF media people for keeping the participants and the fans so reliably informed.

Nobody can do a farce quite like boxing can.

 

This one is conflicting and says that if Jai fights for the Zuffa belt the IBF will declare the title vacant. I hate the media lies. Does anyone know, rather than think they know, the truth here?
https://www.*******.com/articles/ib...taia-brandon-glanton-with-zuffa-belt-at-stake

 

It has been a farce from start to finish.

Perhaps the IBF just waited until it was obvious the Zuffa belt would actually be contested - it was always going to be - before pulling the pin.

But IBF, what does it cost to communicate? People need to know WTF is going on!

 

From IBF's own website and note the highlighted section :

The International Boxing Federation (IBF) has withdrawn sanction of the optional defense of the IBF Cruiserweight Title between champion Jai Opetaia and #15 ranked contender Brandon Glanton scheduled for March 8, 2026.

The initial sanction followed discussions that began on February 11, when IBF President Daryl Peoples, after learning about the contest on social media, reminded Opetaia’s representatives of IBF Rule 5. governing champions and unification bouts.

After continued dialogue, on March 3, Opetaia’s team confirmed the fight would not be a unification and that any belt awarded by Zuffa would be “characterized as a trophy or token of recognition.” The IBF has not had any discussion regarding this bout with any direct representative from Zuffa Boxing. However, the organization received assurances from Opetaia’s representatives that this would be the case. The IBF approved the bout under these conditions as the bout would no longer conflict with IBF Rule 5.E.2 which states in part – “For the purpose of unification of titles, the preeminent Champions of the World Boxing Association (“WBA”), the World Boxing Council (“WBC”), and the World Boxing Organization (“WBO”) may be designated as “elite contenders” and may be permitted to fight for the unified title.”

The press conference held at the MGM Grand in Las Vegas, Nevada, today (March 6) made it clear that the Zuffa World Cruiserweight title would still be contested on March 8. The IBF reserves the right to sanction title bouts alongside other sanctioning bodies that comply with the same mandated regulations followed by the organization.

With sanction withdrawn, the Opetaia vs. Glanton bout is now an Unsanctioned Contest. IBF Rule 5.H. states in part - “An Unsanctioned Contest is a fight which the IBF has not formally approved for sanction or where sanction has been formally withdrawn. If a Champion participates in an unsanctioned contest within his prescribed weight limit, the title will be declared vacant whether the Champion wins or loses the bout.” The organization’s rules don’t always yield the preferred or popular outcome, but they provide structure and transparency, serving not just the champion but also those waiting for the opportunity to fight for the title. The pursuit of undisputed status – by unifying the IBF, WBA, WBC, and WBO titles – represents the highest ambition in the sport. The IBF is committed to providing professional boxers worldwide with meaningful opportunities to advance their careers.

 

Grown men acting extremely childishly my friend.

 

Was slightly sceptical about it but nothing surprises me.

 

"After continued dialogue, on March 3, Opetaia’s team confirmed the fight would not be a unification and that any belt awarded by Zuffa would be “characterized as a trophy or token of recognition.”"

What a **** show, but most knew how this would play out, especially considering Dana White's comments regarding not wanting to work with the other sanctioning bodies.

 

https://www.ringmagazine.com/news/i...ndon-glanton-on-sunday-5LkUsIopczAP4wJOAVPxHG

"The IBF's longstanding issue surrounds the Zuffa Boxing title being contested, as it is not among the four major sanctioning bodies and has been deemed a "championship", forcing them to take action.
Although Team Opetaia reached out to the IBF, assuring them the Zuffa title would be characterized as a trophy or token, Friday's press conference showed otherwise when the IBF, Ring and Zuffa championships were described."

Surely, someone in Team Opetaia knew this would never be the case with the Zuffa belt being described in such a manner.

Oh well, seems there a few reports going around the Floyd Mason and Chris Billam Smith are being discussed for the now vacant IBF Crusierweight title.
Can we claim Floyd as an aussie?