In the world title main event which took place at the Gulf 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 homecoming for Australian champion Jai Opetaia. New Zealand native 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 able to come in immediately and land solid blows to Nyika’s body. Opetaia closed out the opening round by connecting with a solid combination.
Both men 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 combination, but Nyika was able to respond by connecting with a combination of his own.
Using the high guard, southpaw Jai Opetaia continued to unleash his offense in the third round, landing sharp blows to the head and body of his opponent. In round 4, Opetaia came out in an aggressive manner as he loaded up on his shots.
With 1:27 left to go in the fourth round, Opetaia landed a sharp uppercut. He followed that 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 Nyika out cold. After lying on the canvas in an unconscious state for several minutes, David Nyika was able to get up and stand up.
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 World Cruiserweight Champion Gilberto Ramirez.
“Ramirez… I’m coming for those belts. We’re coming for the rest of the belts, man, we’re coming for them,” Opetaia said moments after the fight tonight.
