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Jai Opetaia undisputed dream still alive as IBF release new statement on title status

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A fresh twist has been revealed in the saga of Jai Opetaia and the IBF cruiserweight title.

It was reported last week that Opetaia was to be stripped of his IBF belt on the first bell of his planned fight against Brandon Glanton at the Meta Apex in Las Vegas on Sunday, due to the fact the contest was also for the inaugural Zuffa belt.

Nonetheless, Opetaia proceeded with his bout and claimed a unanimous decision victory over Glanton to extend his unbeaten record to 30-0.

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Following the fight, Opetaia once again shared his desire to become undisputed at cruiserweight, and it seems he may have been given a lifeline to do just that as the IBF announced in a statement that they are yet to make a final decision on stripping him of their title.

“Jai Opetaia made comments during the post-fight press conference that have led the organization’s leadership to question whether he was made completely and fully aware by his advisors of the decisions he needed to make when committing to the bout against Brandon Glanton. The organization intends to look further into this matter.”

The statement also included a strong response to claims that they chose not to sanction the bout due to feeling ‘disrespected’ in the build-up to the fight.

“The IBF categorically rejects any suggestion or claim that it intentionally withdrew sanction to cause harm. The IBF granted sanction of the Opetaia vs. Glanton bout in good faith expecting that what was assured was what would transpire.

“The press conference held at the MGM Grand in Las Vegas, Nevada, on March 8 made it very clear that the inaugural Zuffa World Cruiserweight championship would be contested on March 8.

“The IBF, as previously stated on March 6, reserves the right to sanction title bouts alongside other sanctioning bodies that comply with the same regulations followed by the IBF, and reserves the right to sanction title bouts alongside other contests that stage the IBF Cruiserweight Title remains in deliberation.”

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A definitive outcome on whether or not Opetaia does indeed keep hold of his title will be revealed in due course.

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Kai Rooney and Man United team-mates respond to new deal announcement for starlet

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The Manchester United youngster was among several to send their messages of support after a new deal was announced for Jaydan Kamason

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Kai Rooney was among the Manchester United starlets to send their messages of support to youngster Jaydan Kamason after he signed a new contract until the summer of 2028, with the option of a further year. Last season, the full-back was part of a strong Under-18 squad and was included on the bench under Ruben Amorim in both the home and away matches of the Europa League quarter-final and semi-final.

The 19-year-old has missed parts of the current campaign through injury, but has still managed 15 appearances for the Under-21s. United signed Kamason from grassroots outfit Stockport Vikings for the Emerging Talent Programme (ETP) aged 10 and became the first player from that scheme to put pen to paper on a professional deal with the club.

After signing a new deal, Kamson took to social media and said: “Proud moment for me and family to sign a new long-term contract at this special club. We thank God and keep pushing. More to come, just a matter of timing.”

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Several Manchester United youth stars were quick to off their support, with Kai Rooney attaching a video of a man applauding.

Jack Fletcher responded with a fire emoji, while his brother Tyler Fletcher sent a red loveheart emoji. Fellow United prospect Chido Obi commented with a laughing and flames emoji.

Jacob Devaney and Habeeb Ogunneye both commented: “Congrats bro [loveheart emoji].”

Fomer Man United youngster Joe Hugill commented: “Nice u [applauding emoji].”

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U21s head coach Adam Lawrence heaped praise on Kamason after his goal against Arsenal in the FA Youth Cup last season. He said: “Jaydan has been in real good form of late, so he’s in that position where he’s put in some real strong and consistent performances, as you’d expect from a second year U18 player here.

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“He’s in a real good space. He’s such a fantastic kid, he’s got real good athleticism and he likes to get forward on the outside. And listen, he’ll be watching that goal back for a while.

“He’s always been a full-back that has liked to get forward and he can wear people down, he’s wiry, he’s very athletic and can get on top of people and really impact the game in the final third.

“We’re really excited about him and think that he has real big potential, but he’s a humble kid and he’ll know he needs to get better and that he’s got things to work on.”

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“I was really hurt” – Stefanos Tsitsipas extends drama with ex-coach Goran Ivanisevic after brutal criticism

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Stefanos Tsitsipas recently reacted to the brutal criticism that has been meted out to him by his ex-coach Goran Ivanisevic. Responding to the Croatian, the World No.49 stated that he had been ‘really hurt’ by his comments.

Tsitsipas and Ivanisevic began working together in May 2025, after the Greek star fired his father. However, their partnership was short lived and they parted ways only two months later after a series of uninspiring results. After their split, Ivanisevic publicly criticised Tsitsipas, telling SportKlub

“He has to find a solution for his back issue. I was shocked. I’ve never seen such a poorly prepared player in my life. Me, at my age and with this bad knee, I’m three times in better shape than him.”

More recently, Ivanisevic doubled down on his criticisms about Stefanos Tsitsipas. Reacting to the Croatian’s harsh words, the former World No.3 told The Times,

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“If it was a way of him pushing me into working harder and getting my s— together, it was definitely not the right tactic. I was really hurt. I never expected that a coach could do that to me, and the worst thing is what he said was not true. I was not fit because I had been injured. I hadn’t been practising properly for over two weeks. It was like he kicked me when I was already down.”

Since parting ways with Goran Ivanisevic, Tsitsipas has paired up with his father Apostolos once again.

Stefanos Tsitsipas set to begin Monte-Carlo Masters campaign against Francisco Cerundolo

Tsitsipas at the <a href='https://www.sportskeeda.com/go/miami-open-wta' target='_blank' rel='noopener noreferrer'>Miami Open</a> (Image Source: Getty)Tsitsipas at the <a href='https://www.sportskeeda.com/go/miami-open-wta' target='_blank' rel='noopener noreferrer'>Miami Open</a> (Image Source: Getty)
Tsitsipas at the Miami Open (Image Source: Getty)

Stefanos Tsitsipas spent the latter half of his 2025 season on the bench as he struggled with a back injury. The Greek star returned to action earlier this year with the Adelaide International, but he has failed to string together consistent wins.

His best result this season has been a quarterfinals finish he accomplished at the Qatar Open. Except for that impressive outing in Doha and a round of 32 appearance at the Miami Open, the 27-year-old has failed to move past the second round in any tournament, including the Australian Open and Indian Wells.

Now, Stefanos Tsitsipas is scheduled to kick off his clay season at the Monte-Carlo Masters. The event takes place between April 5 and April 13 at the Monte-Carlo Country Club and promises some exciting tennis action. Tsitsipas will begin his campaign at the ATP 1000 event against 16th seed Francisco Cerundolo.