An opportunity has presented itself to David Nyika, and he looks to take advantage and bring gold back home.
Nyika is challenging Jai Opetaia for Opetaia’s IBF and The Ring cruiserweight titles. The fight in Opetaia’s backyard in Australia airs on DAZN worldwide.
Nyika replaced Huseyin Cinkara, who was ruled out of the fight due to injury. While he is an underdog, it has made for a much more favorable fight for boxing fans.
The friendly boxing rivalry between Australia (Opetaia) and New Zealand (Nyika) will come into play. Nyika is ready to use that as motivation and make the opportunity a fight to remember.
WATCH: Jai Opetaia vs. David Nyika on DAZN
“It’s a little brother-big brother. Australia’s always been the big brother to New Zealand,” Nyika told Boxing Scene. “We come over here; we punch above our weight. Jai’s done the hard work. He’s brought the belt back to this corner of the world; I’m going to take it back to our little island.
“Jai’s done all the hard work. He’s blown all these guys out of the water. He’s the man to beat now. I get to come and cut off his lifeline. I’m half-expecting to spend the night in hospital.”
Here’s all you need to know about Nyika, from his start in combat sports to his quick rise to title contender.
Who is David Nyika?
Born in Hamilton, New Zealand, Nyika turned pro in 2021 and faces Opetaia with a 10-0 record with nine wins via knockout.
Nyika started his boxing career by winning gold in the 2014 and 2018 Commonwealth Games. He did so as a heavyweight and light heavyweight. The 29-year-old won bronze in the 2020 Olympics. A key moment during his run was when Youness Baalla attempted to bite his ear in the Round of 16.
MORE: ‘He’s one of the untouchables’: Fighters predict Opetaia vs. Nyika
“The Nice Guy” competed in six straight fights in Australia before traveling to Riyadh, Saudi Arabia. He has won seven straight via knockout and went 2- 0 in 2024. Before facing Opetaia, Nyika started training with promoter Noel Thornberry.
The switch, resulting in a move to Gatton, has paid off for Nyika, earning him his title shot.
“Here we were struggling to get an opponent to fight on the card at all, now we are in the main event in the other corner,” Thornberry said via ABC.net. “Opportunity sometimes doesn’t knock twice, but somebody like David will always create opportunities, and he seizes on them.”
