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    Jai Opetaia vs. David Nyika – Eddie Hearn has his say on huge world title battle

    Jai Opetaia vs. David Nyika – Eddie Hearn has his say on huge world title battleDAZN
    Watch Opetaia vs. Nyika January 8 live on DAZN
    Watch Opetaia vs. Nyika January 8 live on DAZN

    Eddie Hearn is excited ahead of his first show of 2025 as Jai Opetaia gets ready to defend his world cruiserweight title against David Nyika. 

    The bout, live on DAZN on January 8, is set to be a blockbuster down under as Australia and New Zealand will collide in what promises to be a feisty encounter. 

    Nyika enters the bout a significant underdog, largely due to his lack of experience at the highest level, but there's a confidence from his team that he can cause an upset. 

    Opetaia, one of the world’s best fighters, has been in devastating form in recent fights and he’ll want to enhance his credentials as the world’s best cruiserweight when the first bell sounds. 

    Jai Opetaia v David Nyika

    Waiting for the victor is a potential showdown against Gilberto Ramirez later this year and the winner will also be seen as a significant threat at heavyweight should they move up.

    Despite only having ten fights as a professional, Nyika believes he’s more than capable of shocking the world when he faces Opetaia, and Hearn has credited the challenger for stepping up. 

    “I love it. You should be taking the fight. It’s definitely too early for him. But just because it’s too early doesn’t mean he can’t win. Belief is a huge part of it but you’ve got to truly believe,” said Hearn when speaking to the New Zealand Herald. 

    “Sometimes you can get a fighter who doesn’t have the attributes to win. They just say they’re going to win. Nyika is good. He’s well-schooled. He can punch. And he’s fast. But he’s got a mountain to climb. It’s going to be a brilliant fight. 

    “David has a great chance because he is good enough. It’s just whether he’s ready. I believe David Nyika will be world champion. Will he be world champion on Wednesday? That’s the million-dollar question. 

    “It’s a huge step up. You’re fighting the best cruiserweight in the world. You’re never going to fight a better guy in the division than Jai.”

    Watch Opetaia vs Nyika live on DAZN

    Jai Opetaia and David Nyika's fight card and the DAZN live broadcast will begin at 8am GMT; 3am ET; 6pm AEST.

    Opetaia and Nyika will then step into the ring at 12:30pm GMT; 7:30am ET; 10:30pm AEST.

    In Australia and New Zealand, watch the fight on DAZN PPV as a one-off cost. For the UK, US and rest of the world, this fight is part of the regular DAZN subscription.

    For prices of monthly or annual subscription and to sign up, click here.

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