Jai Opetaia vs Brandon Glanton: Who has the edge heading into their fight?

Jai Opetaia produced three defenses of his IBF and The Ring cruiserweight world titles — all by knockout — in 2025.

The undefeated Australian star will now look to add the inaugural Zuffa Boxing cruiserweight title to his collection Sunday night when he clashes with a gritty Brandon Glanton at the Meta Apex in Las Vegas.

Opetaia (29-0, 23 KOs) knocked out David Nyika, Claudio Squeo, and Huseyin Cinkara in January, June, and December of last year, respectively, all in Australia.

Sunday night marks the first time in Opetaia’s pro career that he will fight in the United States. Waiting for him there is Glanton (21-3, 18 KOs), who rebounded from a points loss to Chris Billam-Smith in April by stopping Marcus Browne in October.

Will Opetaia, in his Zuffa Boxing debut, crush Glanton to move on to bigger fights? Or will Glanton shockingly upset those plans? DAZN News examines who has the edge between Opetaia and Glanton entering Sunday night.

Boxing Styles

Jai Opetaia fights with a bounce in his step via nimble footwork that allows him to pop in and out of the pocket.

The southpaw picks his spots to pressure exceptionally. He has a penchant for knowing when to pounce with laser-beam potshots that he often turns into piercing combinations. His quick hand speed only complicates matters for opponents.

That is the style Brandon Glanton will have to contend with. Watch Glanton, and he tends to go two gloves up in a high, tight guard, while walking opponents down and unloading power shots.

Opetaia can be hit, but his hand speed and combinations could be major issues for Glanton — just as they have been for everyone who has shared a ring with him.

Edge: Opetaia

Power

Glanton has power, especially when he is able to close the distance on fighters and force phone booth action.

Opetaia’s hand speed, however, makes his power a nightmarish load that opponents must deal with.

His accuracy just adds to the severity. Opetaia gets the nod here, too.

Edge: Opetaia

Mental Warfare

Opetaia has been vocal about fighting David Benavidez, actually telling ‘El Monstro’ to his face that he is with the idea of colliding in what would be a mega fight.

To get there, Opetaia cannot afford an upset at the hands of Glanton, who has three losses to his ledger, including that unanimous decision defeat to Chris Billam-Smith under the bright lights of Tottenham Hotspur Stadium last spring.

If Opetaia wants to attract bigger-name dance partners, like a Benavidez, he needs to make another statement in the form of a punctuating victory.

He has plenty of motivation heading into Sunday night: to notch his 30^th professional victory, become the first-ever holder of the Zuffa Boxing title, shine bright in his Las Vegas debut, and shift the pressure on Benavidez to carry out his end of the handshake deal in his cruiserweight debut against unified champion Gilberto ‘Zurdo’ Ramirez on May 2.

Glanton, being a heavy underdog, makes him a dangerous opponent, though everything from Opetaia points to a steely mindset prepared for Sunday night.

Edge: Opetaia

Who has the edge in Opetaia vs. Glanton?

DAZN News has the edge going to Opetaia, 3-0, who presents a mismatch with his package of sweet science skills. This fight could be the launching point to take the Australian around the world in prize fights that determine just how great his star power can soar.

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