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In the world title main event which took place at the Gulf Coast Convention Center in Broadbeach, Queensland, Australia, IBF World Cruiserweight Champion Jai Opetaia scored a devastating fourth round knockout victory over David Nyika.
The battle between two top-level cruiserweights was a homecoming bout for 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 proved that he is a level above David Nyika.
In the opening round of the IBF world title bout, Opetaia was able to immediately get into range and land solid shots to Nyika’s body. Opetaia closed out the first round by connecting with a solid combination.
Both men were active in the 2nd round as Opetaia and Nyika got in the pocket and traded punches. As the second round drew to a close, Opetaia landed a one-two combo, but Nyika was able to respond by connecting with a combo of her own.
Using the high guard, southpaw Jai Opetaia continued to run his offense in the third round as he landed heavy blows to the head and body of his opponent. In round 4, Opetaia came out aggressively as he was charging in with his shots.
With 1:27 left in the fourth round, Opetaia landed a hard uppercut. He followed it up by landing a left-right combination that sent Nyika to the canvas. Nyika was able to get up, but Opetaia was on the prowl as he connected with a flurry of shots.
Opetaia finished off his opponent when he landed a left hand shot that knocked out Nyika. After lying on the canvas in an unconscious state for a couple of minutes, David Nyika was able to get up and stand.
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, Opetaia called out WBO World Cruiserweight Champion Gilberto Ramirez.
“Ramírez… I’m coming to get the belts. We’re coming for the rest of the belts, man, we’re coming for them,” Opetaia said moments after tonight’s fight.
