Jai Opetaia (27-0; 21 KOs) continues to give reasons to be part of the big cards. The Australian knocked out David Nyika (10-1; 9 KOs) today in Gold Coast in the defence of his International Boxing Federation (IBF) cruiserweight world title.
The public may not have expected much from Nyika despite his record, as he jumped on this train just three weeks before the fight. However, he proved that he knows how to use his 1.98m height. He was knocked out in the fourth round, but until then he put all his effort into it and gave the fans three fantastic rounds.
He was knocked down by an uppercut from his opponent in the fourth round. He got up, but the champion already had his ‘prey’ where he wanted it. Shortly afterwards Opetaia applied a combination of right hook and left uppercut to finish off the fighter known as ‘The Nice Guy’.
“It was a dogfight,” said the Australian southpaw, who now looks to a possible unification with Mexico’s Gilberto ‘Zurdo’ Ramirez (WBA and WBO). “Ramirez, I’m coming for your belts. I’ve been waiting for this fight for a long time. I’m coming,” said the Aussie. For Opetaia, the fight against the ‘Zurdo’ is the test he must pass after two tough fights against a great fighter like Mairis Briedis – the first very close – but who is no longer in his prime.
Eddie Hearn was aiming even higher by saying that his boxer is the only one who can cause problems for Oleksandr Usyk. “He’s probably the only guy I think that really can compete with Usyk,” said the promoter.
The heavyweight moves
Meanwhile, 25-year-old Justis Huni (12-0; 7 KOs) demolished Shaun Potgeiter, knocking him out in the second round, and there is already talk of a possible clash with Moses Itauma. According to the WBO president, they could face each other this year for the interim title.