Jai Opetaia vs David Nyika world title-fight is set for January 8

With the reluctance of some to want to fight Opetaia they wouldn't have had much to choose from on 3 weeks notice.

Nyika is IBF #10 and holds some IBF Intercontinental belt, so they could have ended up with someone worse. But Nyika has only had 10 fights and this is a monumental step up for him. Good on Nyika for taking the fight on short notice though and I hope he can at least make a contest of it.

 

I like Nyika.
He's a bloody nice lad and a credit to himself and his whanau. He seems to stay in shape at all times, doesn't let himself run to fat between camps or anything, so he should be physically good to go for this one even if not at top condition.
I think with proper prep he could give Jai a tough nights work.
On three weeks notice though? He gets flattened.

 

I think Nyika will pose some challenges, and will come in hungry to win. Don't like the short notice though.

 

Not a bad short notice replacement, Nyika has a solid amateur record even though he is unproven in the pros. I think he will give Opetaia a tough fight possibly winning a couple of rounds but Opetaia will get the win, it might be a better match-up than Opetaia V Cinkara.

Considering Munguia V Surace, I certainly wouldn't rule out Nyika!

 

That is a damn short notice. he would have to be at fighting weight today to make this happen

 

The jump is too big Opetaia is looking like the king at cruiser atm.

Nyika must be getting some good coin. Maybe he doesn’t think he can work his way up and is cashing out?

Hope Nyika wins but can’t see it, even with a big size advantage. Don’t think Nyika has built up his power enough yet.

If Nyika can stop him coming forward then it could be an upset but it would be a pretty huge one tbf

 

Too big a step up and too short notice. Credit to Nyika for taking it but he’s not winning this.

 

Haven't they sparred a bunch?

 

You hit the nail on the head. Power. Nyika is tall and long but he just won't have the power to keep Opetaia away.

 

You're not wrong, Nyika keeps pretty fit between fights though, I'll be surprised if he struggles to make weight tbh

 

Would still suck. Two big holidays coming up. Hope the money is good.

 

Nyika has been in full training. He was likely fighting an IBF eliminator on the undercard. Circumstances mean he gets his shot earlier than planned. They’ve sparred plenty of rounds together in the past. Nyika is a better option than Cinkara was and takes care of Jai’s mandatory.

I see the WBA have ruled Ramirez must defend against his next as well.

 

Good opportunity for Nyika. Credit to him stepping up short notice.

Iinterested to see how he goes since he was seen as a prospect years ago and hasnt lived up to expectation since.

Nothing to lose really...

 

Oh he was in full training for the same date?
Man that puts a slightly different complexion on it for me.
Very slim chance of an upset, wonder what the odds look like....