‘This is my destiny’: Kiwi Nyika steps up to face Opetaia in trans-tasman showdown for world title

Jai Opetaia is set to face Oceanic rival David Nyika for the IBF World Cruiserweight title on January 8, for what is already being dubbed the trans-tasman fight of the decade. Full story:

Jai Opetaia (L) set to fight David Nyika (R) for the IBF World Cruiserweight title on January 8, 2025 on the Gold Coast

Jai Opetaia is set to face Oceanic rival David Nyika for the IBF World Cruiserweight title on January 8, for what is already being dubbed the trans-tasman fight of the decade

Opetaia’s initial opponent, Germany’s Huseyin Cinkara, suffered a broken ankle in the early hours of Saturday December 14 which has since ruled him unavailable until mid-2025.

“It’s an exciting fight … two boys from this neck of the woods going head-to-head for a title,” Opetaia said of the new match-up.

“It’s massive for Australia, the Polynesians (and) New Zealand boxing.

“To be at the forefront of this and making history is a massive accomplishment on its own.

“We’ve got a job to do January 8 and I’m pumped to get it done.”

Jai Opetaia poses for a photo with his belts following victory during the IBF World Cruiserweight title fight between Jai Opetaia and Jack Massey (Photo by Richard Pelham/Getty Images)

Cinkara’s injury news sparked a frantic bid to save the card, with the search for a suitable replacement highlighting potential candidates from across the globe including Umar Salamov (Russia), Brandon Glanton (United States), Robin Safar (Sweden) and Juergen Uldedaj of Albania before landing on Nyika.

It’s a date of destiny for the New Zealand-born fighter, who made his professional debut in January 2021 and has since built a record of nine wins from 10 fights.

“The universe kind of settled into place and this was always a fight that had to happen,” Nyika said.

“Since the first day I sparred Jai, there hasn’t been a single day I haven’t thought about him.

“I’m obsessed with being the best and this is what it means to step up and take those opportunities.

“This is my destiny.

“I can’t see it going any other way than being an absolute dogfight.

David Nyika (left) fights Waikato Falefehi. Picture: Darren Burns

The 29-year-old, currently based in Gatton, said the fight was a ‘no-lose’ situation for him, and was ultimately aligning at the perfect time in his career.

“The universe kind of settled into place and this was always a fight that had to happen.

“This is my opportunity to prove my medal, give the fans what they want and jump-start a significant career.

“I’m in the best shape of my life, this is happening at the time it’s supposed to happen.”

Nyika’s trainer Noel Thornberry was all praise for an Oceanic match-up, citing the Kiwi was already nine weeks into a camp and ready to face his Aussie idol.

“We’re taking (this fight) because it was presented to us, and world titles aren’t promised for anyone.

“It’s going to be a very very hard fight.

“They know each other, respect each other and are both world class fighters so we’re looking forward to a great night on January 8.”

Holding home-ground advantage, Opetaia said the switch of opponent has made no difference to his preparation or mindset just three weeks out.

“I was pretty confident we were going to get another opponent, now we’ve got one.

“It’s in the past now and we’re looking forward to putting on a good show.”

Originally published as ‘This is my destiny’: Kiwi Nyika steps up to face Opetaia in trans-tasman showdown for world title