Jai Opetaia will defend IBF title against Claudio Squeo on May 13

IBF World cruiserweight champion Jai Opetaia (27-0, 21 KOs) will defend his title on May 13 in Queensland, Australia against Italian Claudio Squeo (17-0, 9 KOs).

The fight was announced Thursday on DAZN.

Opetaia said fight with Squeo is “tune-up fight”, but says he isn’t overlooking his opponent.

Opetaia didn’t hide his aim to face WBO/WBA cruiserweight champion Gilberto “Zurdo” Ramirez.

“To be honest, it’s a bit frustrating,” said Opetaia. “I’ve been chasing these unifications.

“I’ve been chasing this Zurdo fight, and still it hasn’t come. I don’t know why. It’s bullshit; the best should be fighting the best. I’ve got two belts, he’s got two belts, we’ve been trying to push for this fight and it just doesn’t make sense for me why this isn’t getting over the line. The only reason would be he’s ducking. We’re really pushing for these unification fights, but I can only do so much.”

Promoter of Matchroom, Edie Hearn, said another option is WBC World champion Badou Jack.

Ramirez and Jack both will defend their titles. Ramirez will fight on June 28 against Yuniel Dorticos. And Jack will face Ryan Rozicki.