David Nyika has replaced Huseyin Cinkara as the challenger to the IBF and Ring Magazine cruiserweight champion Jai Opetaia on January 8.
The New Zealander, 29, was approached after injury ruled Cinkara out, and having stopped Tommy Karpency in September enters the biggest fight of his career.
“I’ve been training hard for this card, and when the opportunity came to face Jai, I jumped at it,” he said.
“This is the moment every fighter dreams of, and I’ve got the entire nation of New Zealand behind me. I know how tough Jai is, but I’m ready for this challenge. This is my chance to change my life, and I’m leaving it all in the ring.”
In the event of victory, Opetaia, 29 and of Australia, is expected to secure the biggest fight of his career later in 2025, and he said: “I’ve said from the start that it doesn’t matter who’s in front of me—I stay focused and I’m ready.
“David is hungry, he’s dangerous, and I know the crowd at the Gold Coast Convention Centre will be absolutely electric. I’ll be prepared for whatever he brings.”
Since the original announcement of Opetaia-Cinkara, the heavyweight Justis Huni has been added to the undercard, and matched with Shaun Potgieter. His fellow heavyweight Teremoana Junior Teremoana is also on course to fight.
“We think David is an even tougher fight for Jai than Cinkara would have been,” said Michael Francis of Tazman Fighters. “This is a world-class match-up between two elite, undefeated fighters. Expect fireworks on January 8. With a sell-out crowd expected, it’s going to be a special night of boxing.”
“What an incredible story,” added Matchroom’s Eddie Hearn. “Former Australian Olympian pitted against former New Zealand Olympian. They’ve sparred plenty of rounds together and now one will desperately try and defend his crown against a hungry challenger. It’s going to be one of the biggest nights of boxing this part of the world has ever seen”.
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