Jai Opetaia has successfully retained his IBF and The Ring cruiserweight titles after knocking out David Nyika in thrilling fashion. The fight, which captivated fans at the Gold Coast Convention and Exhibition Centre, marked Opetaia's first bout on Australian soil in two years.
From the opening bell, it was clear this was going to be no ordinary championship fight. Nyika, making the most of his late call-up just three weeks prior, initially came out strong, aiming to back Opetaia against the ropes. While the Australian champion weathered this initial storm, it was evident from the outset he would not back down easily.
Opetaia, boasting a record of 27-0 (with 21 KOs), quickly found his rhythm, landing significant combinations during the second round which began to take toll on Nyika. The challenger, who held an impressive record himself at 10-1 (9 KOs), struggled to break through Opetaia's defenses as he attempted to meet fire with fire, but the punches were simply not enough to shake the reigning champion.
The third round saw Opetaia increase his intensity, dominating the exchanges with precise jabs and hard-hitting combinations. By the fourth round, the audience was fully engaged, aware they were witnessing something special. Just when it seemed like the match could swing either way, Opetaia unleashed a powerful right-hand punch, sending Nyika crashing to the canvas.
Though Nyika managed to rise and beat the referee’s count, it was only temporary. Opetaia, sensing the finish, pursued Selim with notable ferocity, raining down punches until compelling the referee to step in and stop the contest. The official stoppage came after three heavy blows—first, a right and then two staggering lefts—with Nyika pinned against the ropes.
The knockout was utterly brutal, leaving Nyika on the ground for several agonizing minutes as concern washed over the crowd. Medical staff quickly attended to the knocked-out fighter, who eventually regained his composure and was helped back to his dressing room by his team, marking the harsh reality of his first professional loss.
Throughout the match, Opetaia maintained the upper hand. The 29-year-old champion’s defensive skill and knockout power continue to establish his dominance within the cruiserweight division. Notably, Opetaia’s victory came with added significance; this fight was more than just about the belts—it was about proving he remains at the top of his game.
After the fight, reflecting on Nyika’s bravery, Opetaia expressed appreciation for his opponent's willingness to step up on short notice. "David, thank you, he took the fight on three weeks notice, he gave me a dog fight, I thought he was going to box, I take my hat off to you," remarked Opetaia during his post-fight speech, which was filled with cheers from the supportive Gold Coast crowd.
While victory was sweet, Opetaia has his eyes firmly set on future challenges. Immediately after the match, the champion called out WBO and WBA titleholder Gilberto Ramírez, declaring, "Ramirez, I'm coming for your belts." This clear ambition indicates Opetaia's desire for unification within the division, and it certainly spices up the pathway forward for both him and his fans.
The undercard also brought excitement, with notable performances from other fighters. Justis Huni extended his winning streak to 12 fights with his own second-round knockout victory over Shaun Potgieter. Meanwhile, up-and-coming heavyweight prospect Teremoana Teremoana dazzled the crowd with his first-round knockout against Osasu Otobo.
Throughout the night, the atmosphere pulsated with energy as fans celebrated Opetaia’s triumph and the thrill of sportsmanship. The success of the event not only showcased Opetaia's boxing prowess but also illuminated the growing interest and support for Australian boxing.
For Jai Opetaia, this fight wasn’t merely about defending titles; it was about solidifying his position among the elite cruiserweights of the world. With aspirations of unification looming on the horizon, fans can only hope to see more exhilarating matchups as Opetaia continues his pursuit of greatness within the squared circle.