In the world title main event held 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 the two high-level cruiserweights was a battle for the return of the Australian champion, Jai Opetaia. New Zealand’s David Nyika (10-1, 9 KO) 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 in range and land some solid shots to Nyika’s body. Opetaia closed out the opening round by connecting with a solid combination.
Both were active in the 2nd round 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 his high guard, southpaw Jai Opetaia continued to attack in the third round landing sharp blows to the head and body of his opponent. In the 4th round, Opetaia came out in an aggressive manner as he loaded his shots.
With 1:27 left in the fourth round, Opetaia landed a sharp uppercut. He followed up with a left-right combination that dropped Nyika to the canvas. Nyika was able to get up but Opetaia was lurking as he connected with a flurry of shots.
Opetaia finished off his opponent when he landed a left hand kick that knocked Nyika out. After lying unconscious on the canvas for several minutes, David Nyika managed to get up and stand on his feet.
During his post-fight interview, IBF World Cruiserweight Champion Jai Opetaia (27-0, 21 KOs) stated that he respects his opponent for giving him a bad fight. When asked what’s next for him, Opetaia called out WBO, WBA World Cruiserweight Champion Gilberto Ramirez.
“Ramirez… I’m coming to get those belts. We’re coming for the rest of the belts, man, we’re coming for them,” Opetaia said moments after tonight’s fight.
