Nyika’s plan to defeat Opetaia: pressure and power

David Nyika says he is ready to “shock the world” by defeating IBF cruiserweight champion Jai Opetaia in their fight next week, on January 8, at the Gold Coast Convention Center in Broadbeach, Australia.

This fight is as tough for Opetaia (26-0, 20 KOs) as her two fights against Mairis Briedis, and she could lose if Nyika (10-0, 9 KOs) applies pressure. The 29-year-old, 6’6″ Nyika would probably beat everyone Opetaia has fought during his nine-year professional career and do so in similar fashion.

David vs. Goliath

Matchroom promoter Eddie Hearn hopes Opetaia, 29, can win this fight because he wants to push to arrange a commercial-level fight for Jai against unified heavyweight champion Oleksandr Usyk in 2025.

“I’m a whole new animal, and on January 8 you’ll see that,” David Nyika told Matchroom Boxing, speaking about his fight against IBF cruiserweight champion Jai Opetaia. “I can’t imagine Opetai going down without a fight. The Ring Magazine and IBF cruiserweight titles, I’m bringing them back home.

“Fighting in their backyard will be amazing. I have always performed better when under pressure and when the odds are high. So, this is David versus Goliath. He is the king of the cruiserweight division, as far as everyone is concerned.

“We are going to surprise the world. I will do everything I can to achieve my goal. “And a new champion has emerged,” Nyika said.

Nyika already has the plan to defeat Opetaia: hit him hard, apply pressure and not let him rest. Opetaia has inspired her style in part from Dmitry Bivol, whom she admires. When they attack him aggressively, he runs away.

What we saw in Opetaia’s rematch with Mairis Briedis last May was a fighter who doesn’t like to get hit and reacts with fear when he starts taking punishment. If Nyika can attack Opetaia more aggressively, she can break him and make him give up mentally.

He wants to surprise the world, but the real animal is @jaiopetaia1 😉 #OpetaiaNyika | January 8 | @tasmanfighters pic.twitter.com/TeRYgx9GZb

— Boxing in the match room (@MatchroomBoxing) January 2, 2025