Jai Opetaia eyes 'home turf' glory on Gold Coast return against Huseyin Cinkara

Jai Opetaia has promised repeat victory on "home turf" as he returns for his latest IBF cruiserweight title defence against mandatory challenger Huseyin Cinkara on December 6.

The Central Coast fighter returns to his Queensland base for his next fight, with a bout against the veteran German set for the Gold Coast Convention & Exhibition Centre.

Opetaia, considered to be one of the division's leading operators, had been linked to a super-bout with Gilberto 'Zurdo' Ramirez, or with ex-champion Chris Billam-Smith.

Instead, after suggestions he could also step up to heavyweight to face Derek Chisora, the Wyong man will now face Cinkara, having originally been set to do so in January.

"The Gold Coast Convention Centre is home turf and I won't be losing in front of my fans," he said. "The atmosphere is electric on fight night and this event will be no different."

Opetaia is still bidding to unite the division despite suggestions he could move up in pursuit of further success at a new weight, and will hope for a 2026 bout with a major rival.

Ramirez currently holds both WBA and WBO titles, while Badou Jack is in possession of the WBC crown, with Billam-Smith still touted as a potential threat around the summit.

Elsewhere on the bill, Justis Huni will feature following his loss to Fabio Wardley earlier this year, with the fellow Australian linked to a major stadium domestic bout with Opetaia.

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