Jai Opetaia will now put his IBF world cruiserweight title on the line against David Nyika on January 8, 2025.
Nyika comes in at late notice to replace Huseyin Cinkara. The German was forced to pull out of the world title fight after breaking his ankle.
The New Zealander fighter is 10th in the IBF rankings, following his TKO victory within three rounds over Tommy Karpency in September, and steps in after higher ranked fighters rejected the chance to fight Opetaia at such late notice.
Like Opetaia, Nyika, 27, is undefeated with a record of 10-0 (KOs), but facing the world champion at the Gold Coast Convention Centre, Broadbeach, Australia, represents a significant step up.
Opetaia, 29, has been in explosive form to drive a record of 26-0 (20 KOs), defending his title successfully on four occasions to date, three via knockout.
Opetaia could be on the path to face Gilberto Ramirez in a cruiserweight unification battle later in 2025, should he come through Nyika unscathed.
However, despite the late notice and the gap in rankings, Nyika believes he can cause a huge upset in a fight he has been focused on for a long time.
The original plan was to keep climbing the ranks and knocking off opponents before an eventual showdown with the Australian, but going up against Opetaia right now was too good an opportunity for Nyika and his team to turn down.
“I’ve been training hard for this card, and when the opportunity came to face Jai, I jumped at it,” said Nyika. “This is the moment every fighter dreams of, and I’ve got the entire nation of New Zealand behind me.
“I know how tough Jai is, but I’m ready for this challenge. This is my chance to change my life, and I’m leaving it all in the ring.”
Nyika's coach Noel Thornberry added: "Ever since David started boxing at the age of 14 he’s dreamed of fighting for a world championship one day.
"When those opportunities are presented it’s very hard to knock them back especially when you’re in good condition.”
While Opetaia will expect to successfully defend his crown again, he will not make the foolish error of simply writing off Nyika, especially after seeing him up close and personal with the two sparring in the past.
The IBF champion said: “I’ve said from the start that it doesn’t matter who’s in front of me, I stay focused and I’m ready.
“David is hungry, he’s dangerous, and I know the crowd at the Convention Centre will be absolutely electric. I’ll be prepared for whatever he brings.”
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