Fourteenth of September in Auckland. IBF intercontinental cruiserweight title at stake, 1st defense of Nyika. The incumbent is currently #14 in the IBF rankings system, while the challenger is absent from its top fifteen but rated #13 by the WBA. Waiting at the very top of the IBF food chain, and geographically across the ditch (Tasman Sea) from NZ in NSW is undefeated champion Jai Opetaia - scheduled to defend against Jack Massey in Riyadh come October. This is obviously the last run at this level for the Aussie veteran (and illegitimate lovechild of Paul Dano and Bert Kreischer) - whose current primary footnote in history came a decade ago when he dropped Sergey Kovalev in the opening round, only to swiftly and brutally pay through his nose for it. The kiwi Olympic bronze medalist is a newcomer on the world scene, but looks to have plenty of upside. He is taking about exactly the right sort of step up here at this stage - and in a year's time, or maybe two, if all goes to plan, then who knows? Opetaia vs. Nyika could end up being a load of fun.
The Nice Guy's real ring name is Aussie Dave & he likes to rave. He won a Bronze at the Tokyo Olympics so we let him in. Good fighter & based up there in Queensland with plenty of other good big men including Opetaia who he spars with. Will go places once we've trained all the Kiwi out of him. Stifler's Mum thread has reported the fight's in doubt but a good one if it goes ahead.
I imagine Niyika will want to get the stoppage and impress. I watched his amateur bout with Gazhimagomedov. He lost but some in the comments felt he actually won.
