Jai Opetaia finished his latest title defense in brutal fashion, sending Huseyin Cinkara crashing through the ropes and onto the canvas with a left hand.
It was a subpar performance from the champion, who was caught and wobbled early in the fight by the 40-year-old challenger. However, even if he doesn’t give his best – he later called his own efforts st – Opetaia has the kind of power needed to change a fight in a second.
The German Cinkara found out the hard way and lost his challenge by knockout, the first defeat of his career. Although he managed to get back to his feet in the ring after being treated by ringside medical staff, he was quickly taken to the hospital to undergo tests.
Tasman Fighters has now provided an update on his condition, saying:
“Huseyin Cinkara was admitted to hospital with a brain contusion with a small brain bleed and a minor C1 fracture. No operation is required. Two days of observation are required. The Tasman Fighters family wishes Huseyin a speedy and full recovery.”
Fight fans need no reminder that brain injuries require careful neurological monitoring due to the risk of swelling and additional complications. The C1 vertebra is the highest bone in the spine that supports the skull and plays a key role in neck stability. The social media update post was shared by Opetaia, echoing sentiments wishing his challenger a good result. The wider boxing world is waiting for positive news.
Opetaia then called for unification fights and will likely return in a normal time frame after reports of his own serious orbital bone injuries were downplayed.
