Boxing fans will be glued to their screens tonight as Kiwi David Nyika steps into the ring for the biggest fight of his career. Nyika will be challenging Samoan-Australian Champion Jai Opetaia, for the IBF and The Ring cruiserweight world titles at the Gold Coast Convention Centre.
Nyika, 28, a two-time Commonwealth Games gold medalist and Olympic bronze medalist, has quickly risen through the professional ranks. With an impressive 10-0 record, including nine knockouts, the Hamilton-born fighter says he’s ready to shock the boxing world. Despite being a late replacement for the bout, Nyika promises fans “fireworks” and says he won’t back down from the challenge.
“I can’t predict this fight because I know how tough Jai is and what he’s willing to go through. But I’m prepared to go through the same, and the fans are going to get a really good show.” – says Nyika.
Opetaia, 29, enters the fight as the heavy favourite. Undefeated with a 26-0 record and 20 knockouts, the Australian is ranked the world’s best active cruiserweight. He captured his titles in 2022 and is now defending them for the first time. Known for his aggressive style, Opetaia isn’t concerned about Nyika’s power.
“I know I can knock him out, I know I can hurt him. If he wants a gunfight, we’ll have a gunfight.” – says Opetaia.
Opetaia’s boxing pedigree runs deep. Raised on New South Wales’ Central Coast, he comes from a long line of fighters and has notable family ties to Australian football legend Tim Cahill and former New Zealand rugby league player Ben Roberts. He relocated his training base to the Gold Coast in 2020 to further his career — a move that paid off when he won the world titles in front of his new hometown fans.
For Boxing fans, Nyika’s fight represents more than a title shot. It’s a chance to see a Kiwi boxer rise to the top on the world stage, joining the likes of David Tua and Joseph Parker. Nyika’s rise has been swift, with his Olympic campaign drawing headlines after Moroccan boxer Youness Baalla infamously tried to bite his ear during a bout.
“I’m not here to make up the numbers,” Nyika says. “I’m here to win.”
Both men are ready for war. For Nyika, it’s a chance to shock the world. For Opetaia, it’s about proving he’s still the undisputed king of the cruiserweights.