Jai Opetaia (27-0, 21 KOs) has successfully defended his status as a cruiserweight world champion by delivering a stunning knockout to David Nyika (10-1, 9 KOs) in just four rounds. This decisive victory took place at 2:17 into the fourth round, ensuring that Opetaia retains the coveted IBF cruiserweight championship. He initially claimed this prestigious title with a unanimous decision victory over Mairis Briedis in May of the previous year. Opetaia was originally scheduled to face Hüseyin Cinkara on January 8, but due to a broken ankle suffered by the German boxer, Nyika stepped in as a replacement.

The exciting bout was the main event of a highly anticipated card organized by Tasman Fighters, Matchroom Boxing, and Goldstar Promotion, held at the Gold Coast Convention Centre in Broadbeach, Australia. Fans around the globe were able to witness the electrifying action live via DAZN, while viewers in Australia and New Zealand could access the event through a pay-per-view option on the same platform.

Watch Jai Opetaia Deliver a Knockout Blow to David Nyika

Thrilling Fight Recap: Opetaia vs. Nyika

The first round of the match showcased an intense exchange of punches, with both fighters showing their skill and determination. This high-energy pace continued into the following rounds, with Nyika frequently switching his stance to create opportunities for clean shots to Opetaia’s head. Despite Nyika’s efforts, Opetaia seemed unfazed by the incoming blows, responding with significantly more powerful punches that kept Nyika on the defensive.

The turning point of the fight occurred in the fourth round when a powerful right hand landed squarely on Nyika’s chin, sending him to the canvas for the first time. Although he managed to rise to his feet, Nyika appeared visibly unsteady. Shortly after regaining his footing, Opetaia unleashed a series of punishing hooks to Nyika’s head, resulting in a second knockdown. The referee quickly stepped in to stop the contest, marking a triumphant moment for Opetaia.

𝐓𝐇𝐄 𝐂𝐑𝐔𝐈𝐒𝐄𝐑𝐖𝐄𝐈𝐆𝐇𝐓 𝐑𝐄𝐈𝐆𝐍𝐒 𝐒𝐔𝐏𝐑𝐄𝐌𝐄@jaiopetaia1 knocks David Nyika OUT COLD in the fourth #OpetaiaNyika pic.twitter.com/EDRuaW7OUA

— DAZN Boxing (@DAZNBoxing) January 8, 2025

After the knockout, Nyika remained on the canvas for several minutes, raising concerns among spectators. Fortunately, he was able to regain his composure and eventually left the ring under his own power, demonstrating his resilience and sportsmanship.

Insights from the Post-Fight Interview with Jai Opetaia

Opetaia’s Thoughts on His Victory

All respect from @jaiopetaia1 to David Nyika #OpetaiaNyika pic.twitter.com/fIB78HzyxB

— DAZN Boxing (@DAZNBoxing) January 8, 2025

There’s one man that @jaiopetaia1 wants and that’s @ZurdoRamirezz #OpetaiaNyika pic.twitter.com/e50XOKQtTb

— DAZN Boxing (@DAZNBoxing) January 8, 2025

Comprehensive Undercard Results from the Fight Night

DAZN Exclusive Broadcast Highlights

Justis Huni (12-0, 7 KOs) showcased his prowess with a second-round technical knockout victory over Shaun Potgieter (10-2, 7 KOs). The official stoppage time for this 10-round heavyweight bout was recorded at 0:33 of the second round, when a furious flurry of punches from Huni prompted the referee to intervene, despite Potgieter still being on his feet.

In another thrilling contest, Max McIntyre (7-0, 6 KOs) achieved a fourth-round technical knockout against Abdulselam Saman (8-2, 1 KO). The fight concluded at 1:59 of the fourth round when Saman was knocked down from a powerful right hook. Shortly after, he hit the canvas again due to a combination of body shots. A final straight right from McIntyre led to the referee halting the bout, securing another impressive win for the rising star.

Ben Mahoney (15-0-1, 8 KOs) continued his unbeaten streak with a unanimous decision victory over Fan Zhang (8-3-1, 5 KOs). The judges scored the 10-round super welterweight battle 100-90 across the board, affirming Mahoney’s dominance throughout the match.

Teremoana Teremoana (6-0, 6 KOs) made a strong statement with a first-round knockout against Osasu Otobo (11-2-1, 5 KOs). The official time of stoppage was 0:50, as Teremoana delivered a powerful left hand that left Otobo unable to recover in time.

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In a closely contested battle, Shauna Browne (5-0, 3 KOs) edged out a split decision victory against Taylah Gentzen (6-1, 3 KOs) in a 10-round super lightweight bout. While one judge awarded the fight to Gentzen by a narrow 95-94 margin, the other two judges scored it 97-92 and 96-95 in favor of Browne. Notably, Gentzen suffered a knockdown in the seventh round due to a right hook, illustrating Browne’s effective performance throughout the match.

Kicking off the DAZN broadcast, Billy McAllister (3-0, 3 KOs) secured a second-round technical knockout against Jordan Towns (2-3, 1 KO). The stoppage at 3:00 of the four-round light heavyweight clash came after Towns was knocked down twice during the second round, prompting his corner to throw in the towel after the second knockdown from an overhand right.

Preliminary Bouts Available on YouTube

The undercard also featured bouts broadcasted on YouTube, including Runqi Zhou (9-2-1, 3 KOs), who won a unanimous decision against Tony Ingram (6-1, 3 KOs) in an eight-round featherweight fight. The judges scored the contest 78-74 twice and 77-75 in favor of Zhou, demonstrating his tactical prowess in the ring.

In a four-round middleweight clash, Kodi Shallali (1-1-1, 0 KOs) and Albert Tu’ua (1-1-1, 0 KOs) fought to a majority draw. One judge scored the match 38-37 for Tu’ua, while the other two judges had it even at 37-37. The action intensified in round three when Tu’ua was knocked down by a powerful left hand, only to be dropped again shortly after with another left.

Untelevised Preliminary Bout Results

Jag Guthmann-Chester (1-0, 0 KOs) claimed a unanimous decision victory over Jai Williams (0-1, 0 KOs) in a 60kg (132.28 lbs) catchweight bout. The judges scored the fight 30-26 across the board, with Williams suffering a knockdown in the third round. Both competitors are horse jockeys, making this encounter a unique and rare appearance for both in the boxing ring.