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In the world title main event held at the Golf Coast Convention Center in Broadbeach, Queensland, Australia, defending IBF Cruiserweight World Champion Jai Opetaia earned a devastating fourth-round knockout victory over David Nyika.
The battle between two top-level cruiserweights was a homecoming fight for Australian champion Jai Opetaia. New Zealander David Nyika (10-1, 9 KOs) was an admirable opponent, but boxing is a sport based on levels, and Jai Opetaia showed that he is a level above David Nyika.
In the first round of the IBF world title fight, Opetaia was able to immediately get within range and land solid shots to Nyika’s body. Opetaia closed the first round by connecting with a solid combination.
Both men were active in the second round as Opetaia and Nyika stood in the pocket and exchanged blows. As the second round came to a close, Opetaia landed a one-two combination, but Nyika was able to respond by connecting with a combination of her own.
Using the high guard, southpaw Jai Opetaia continued to execute his offense in the third round while landing heavy blows to the head and body of his opponent. In round 4, Opetaia came out aggressively while loading up his shots.
With 1:27 left in the fourth round, Opetaia landed a strong uppercut. He continued to land a left-right combination that sent Nyika to the mat. Nyika was able to get up, but Opetaia was lying in wait as she landed a flurry of shots.
Opetaia finished off his rival with a left foot that left Nyika out of action. After lying unconscious on the mat for a couple of minutes, David Nyika was able to get up and onto his feet.
During his post-fight interview, IBF World Cruiserweight Champion Jai Opetaia (27-0, 21 KOs) stated that he respects his opponent because he gave him a dogfight. When asked what’s next for him, Opetaia called out WBO and WBA cruiserweight world champion Gilberto Ramirez.
“Ramírez… I’m going for those belts. We’re coming for the rest of the belts, man, we’re coming for them,” Opetaia said moments after tonight’s fight.
