In the world title main event at the Golf Coast Convention Center in Broadbeach, Queensland, Australia, defending IBF world cruiserweight champion Jai Opetaia scored a devastating 4th round knockout victory over David Nyika.
The battle between two high level cruiserweights was a fight for the Australian champion, Jai Opetaia. New Zealand’s 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 opening round of the IBF world title fight, Opetaia was immediately able to get in the zone and land solid shots to Nyika’s body. Opetaia closed out the opening round by connecting with a solid combination.
Both men were active in round 2 as Opetaia and Nyika stood in the pocket and traded punches. As the 2nd round drew to a close, Opetaia landed a one-two combo, but Nyika was able to respond by connecting with a combo of his own.
Using the high guard, southpaw Jai Opetaia continued his offense in the third round as he landed sharp punches to the head and body of his opponent. In the 4th round, Opetaia came out aggressive as he landed his shots.
With 1:27 left in the fourth round, Opetaia landed a sharp uppercut. She followed that up by landing a left-right combination that sent Nyika to the canvas. Nyika was able to get up, but Opetaia was reeling as she connected with a flurry of shots.
Opetaia finished off his opponent when he landed a left hand shot that knocked Nyika out cold. After lying on the canvas in an unconscious state for a few minutes, David Nyika was able to get up and get to his feet.
During his post-fight interview, IBF world cruiserweight champion Jai Opetaia (27-0, 21 KOs) said he respects his opponent for giving him a dogfight. When asked what’s next for him, Opetaia called out WBO, WBA cruiserweight world champion Gilberto Ramirez.
“Ramirez…I’m coming for their belts. We’re coming for the rest of the belts, man, we’re coming for them,” Opetaia said moments after tonight’s match.
