WWE

Jai Opetaia Knocks Out David Nyika to Retain Cruiserweight Titles, Sets Sights on Unification with Ramirez

January, 11, 2025-12:37

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Jai Opetaia Knocks Out David Nyika to Retain Cruiserweight Titles, Sets Sights on Unification with Ramirez

Jai Opetaia delivered a brutal performance on home soil, knocking out David Nyika in the fourth round to successfully defend his IBF and Ring world cruiserweight titles. The Australian fighter, making his first appearance in Australia since 2022, faced a tough challenge from the late-replacement New Zealand challenger, who took the fight on just three weeks' notice.

Nyika made a strong start, with both fighters exchanging blows in the opening rounds. However, it was Opetaia’s devastating uppercut in the fourth that floored Nyika, followed by a crushing right hook and uppercut combination that sent him to the canvas for several minutes, sealing the victory for Opetaia.

"This was a dog fight, David gave me a real challenge, I respect him for that," Opetaia said, acknowledging Nyika's tenacity. The win, Opetaia's 27th straight victory, sets up a potential unification clash with Mexican star Gilberto 'Zurdo' Ramirez, who holds both the WBA and WBO cruiserweight titles.

"I’m coming for your belts, Ramirez," Opetaia declared confidently. "I’ve been waiting for this fight for a long time."

Nyika, who suffered his first professional loss, walked out of the ring to applause, having given a solid account of himself in his 11th fight. Meanwhile, Opetaia’s victory has put him in the spotlight for bigger challenges, including a potential showdown with heavyweight champion Oleksandr Usyk. Eddie Hearn previously suggested that Opetaia might be the only boxer capable of competing with Usyk, though such a fight would require Opetaia to step up in weight and unify the cruiserweight division first.

“Opetaia is probably the only guy who can truly compete with Usyk,” Hearn said, but emphasized that the Australian must prove himself further by unifying the cruiserweight titles.