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

If Nyika has been thinking about him that much, chances are he got beat up in sparring.

 

This is a great fight. Nyika has some balls for taking this fight so early in his career.

 

I think Opetaia edges it but Nyika will have his moments and I wouldn't rule out an upset. I just think Opetaia will land enough to win on the.cards with Nyika's professional greeness being his undoing. He'll land some attractive shots from the outside but as said, I think Jai's speed, ring craft, south paw stance will be enough. I don't think Dave gets stopped, or at least not brutally. I foresee a slow breaking down and ref stoppage if that scenario ends up being the case.

I thought Dave would've had 3 or four fights next year against gatekeepers, like Light, before an eliminator. But I guess take the shot. Need to pay them bills.

 

Listening to their respective interviews, this is a man versus a beast.

 

Light is well and truly retired. He is pretty severely affected by brain damage.

 

Is he? I had an inkling he might as he said he didnt need the money and that the world title shot was his goal. Still I thought maybe once or twice more.

 

He had a stroke after the Okolie fight and had a blood clot surgically removed from his brain.

 

Just read that. Well and truly won't see him again.

I would ideally have like David Nyika to have those 2 to three more world level fights, or above journeyman-level at least and then fight for a title.

But I guess a loss isn't the end, even a string of them as weve seen with Parker.

I just hope he isn't brutalised or embarrassed ; but there's also no reason to think he will be embarrassed. Brutalised? Maybe. Hopefully not.

 

A truly intelligent fight plan can see Nyika

really do well here. Gotta frustrate the Ozzie aggressor....

 

Gotta respect anybody who has the balls to step to Opetaia who is one of the baddest men on the planet.

 

Huge news from a Kiwi perspective.

My thoughts are:
- I rate David highly and he is IMHO the best Kiwi prospect at the moment. He is pretty fast and skilled and was a good amateur.
- However, I don't rate his chances against Opetaia. In particular I don't think he hits hard enough or is strong enough to keep Opetaia off. I therefore predict a late Opetaia stoppage.
- I do think this bravery should be applauded. Opetaia is probably the best CW out there It's much more interesting to the fans if prospects take risks. They can come again even if they lose. Dubois and Parker are both near the top of the HW division after coming back from multiple losses.
- With that being said, I do hope David doesn't take too much damage in a loss. Opetaia fights have a tendency to be brutal.

 

Hi Kiwi,
I am thinking you might be onto something there!
Both boys have already stated that they have sparred at least 30 rounds or so over a few years. Even though sparring is different to a real fight you are still giving enough effort of yourself in the spar to try and keep the advantage. If your getting beat up in the spar you are probably not going to take this fight (unless it is has already competitive). Opetaia has the experience and is already up the top of the ladder and Nyika is the new Lion with potential for an upset.

 

Huge news from an Australian perspective.

My thoughts are:
- Aussie Dave is a Knave who likes to Rave.
- Yes, he's very brave.
- He's built like a block of flats but is far less accommodating.
- He's big, bold & tough, like Aunty Jack.
- If he fights like a Kiwi, he'll end up on his back.

 

Haha extra points for rhyming.

 

Yezzzirrr!