David Nyika v Jai Opetaia: Everything you need to know

David Nyika v Jai Opetaia

Gold Coast Convention Centre, Broadbeach

Wednesday 8 January

Prelims begin 6.15pm NZT, main event expected about 11.45pm

Streamed live on DAZN

After an outstanding amateur career highlighted by two Commonwealth Games gold medals and an Olympic bronze, Kiwi David Nyika has been very vocal about his professional ambitions.

Tonight, his future comes rushing to meet him, with an unexpected - and perhaps premature - shot at the IBF world cruiserweight title, currently held by Aussie Jai Opetaia.

Nyika's opportunity has arisen, after German Huseyin Cinkara broke his foot in training and had to withdraw. Rather than let the occasion slip by, Opetaia's management compiled a short list of replacement fighters and Nyika did not hesitate when he got the call, even on just three weeks' notice.

Now based in Queensland, the 10th-ranked Hamiltonian has compiled a 10-0 pro record, including nine knockouts, but this bout represents a massive step up from his previous fights.

Opetaia won the IBF belt from Latvian Mairis Briedis at this same venue in July 2022 and has defended it four times, including a rematch against Briedis that left him with a broken jaw in two places last year.

He has a 26-0 pro record, including 20 knockouts, and has sparred against Nyika previously.

"We've shared very competitive rounds, but I think sparring is very different," said Nyika. "Come fight night, it's going to be whatever happens happens, but I truly believe the fans are going to get a really good show."

Jai Opetaia

Record: 26-0 (20 KO)

From: Wyong, New South Wales

Age: 29

Height: 1.88m (6ft 2in)

Reach: 1.93m (76in)

Weight: 90.5kg (199.5lb)

Style: Southpaw

David 'The Nice Guy' Nyika

Record: 10-0 (9 KO)

From: Hamilton, NZ

Age: 29

Height: 1.98m (6ft 6in)

Reach: 198cm (78in)

Weight: 90.5kg (199.5lb)

Style: Orthodox

What the fight means for David Nyika?

If he wins, Nyika will be catapulted into the spotlight, facing challengers for his IBF belt. That could mean a rematch with Opetaia or an eventual showdown a healed Cinkara, who remains the No.1 contender in the division.

He could also look to unite his crown with the other main belts, currently held by Mexican Gilberto Ramirez (WBA & WBO) and Armenian Norairn Mkaeljan (WBC).

His success would give New Zealand three reigning world champions, with Lani Daniels holding the women's IBF light-heavyweight belt and Mea Motu ruling the women's IBO super-bantamweight ranks.

That number may become four next month, if Joseph Parker can navigate his way past Daniel Dubois for the men's IBF heavyweight championship.

If he loses, Nyika would presumably tumble back to the foot of the ladder and have to work his way back near the top. He could do this by targeting those other belts.

Prediction

In boxing, you're only ever one punch away from an upset, so you can never discount anyone prepared to step into the ring. Sylvester Stallone created an entire movie franchise on that premise.

Given his limited preparation, Nyika is a heavy underdog and it wouldn't be a shock to see him simply outclassed by his opponent in a unanimous points decision. Whatever the outcome, he will doubtless learn valuable lessons that will serve him well in the future.

Full fight card

Jai Opetaia v David Nyika - IBF cruiserweight title

Justis Huni v Shaun Potgieter - heavyweight

Max McIntyre v Abdulselam Saman - super-middleweight

Ben Mahoney v Fan Zhang - super-welterweight

Teremoana Teremoana v Osasu Otobo - heavyweight

Taylah Gentzen v Shauna Browne - super-lightweight

Tony Ingram v Runqi Zhou - featherweight

Billy McAllister v Jordan Towns - light-heavyweight

Albert Tu'ua v Kodi Shallali - middleweight

Jai Williams v Jag Guthmann-Chester - 60kg catchweight