Kiwi amateur David Nyika joins Joseph Parker's camp ahead of blockbuster bout v Junior Fa. Video / Dean Purcell
Kiwi amateur boxing star David Nyika could find himself making his professional debut in December on the undercard of Joseph Parker's clash against Junior Fa – if a number of necessary parties can come to an agreement.
The two-time Commonwealth Games gold medallist has joined Parker's camp for the December12 fight in association with Stonewood Homes, and has expressed an interest in joining the professional ranks.
However, the 25-year-old is not willing to risk his spot at next year's Olympic Games to do so.
Both the Commonwealth and Olympic Games have historically been amateur-only events; however, the rules were changed ahead of the 2016 Olympics in Brazil to allow professionals to compete.
Boxer David Nyika is hoping to get on the Joseph Parker v Junior Fa undercard. Photo / Dean Purcell
With the Olympics in Japan delayed a year, there is hope that Nyika might be able to make his professional debut and still be eligible to compete in the Games.
"We're still working through the logistics of that," Nyika said. "I think anyone would like to fight on this card; it's going to be a massive show. Just the prospect of that is exciting.
"But [the Olympics] is my number one goal at the moment. It's been 11 years in the making so I'm still making a beeline for the Olympics."
David Nyika training at his Hamilton home during the country's Covid-19 lockdown in April. Photo / Photosport
Australian Justis Huni was in a similar position, and made his professional debut last month with an impressive seventh-round stoppage of Faiga Opelu to claim the Australian heavyweight title.
Under Boxing Australia's rules, athletes who have qualified for the Olympic Games can have up to 10 professional fights and still be eligible to compete at the Olympics.
Nyika said he hoped he could get in a similar position as he was ready to make the switch into the professional realm.
"There's some amazing talent in the amateur boxing scene and I think they go underrated. A lot of the professionals, if they were to step back into the amateur game and step into the Olympics, they'd get a big surprise from all the amateur boxers. I'm more than ready; I can spar 12 rounds and I can probably fight 12 rounds," Nyika said of his preparedness for the professional level.
"Justis Huni put on a good display fighting 10 rounds for an Australian title in his pro debut and he's going to the Olympics as well. So, it's easily done, and it's going to be a really smooth transition especially getting this kind of experience.
David Nyika has joined Joseph Parker's camp to help Parker prepare for his upcoming bout against Junior Fa. Photo / Dean Purcell.
"(Covid-19) definitely disrupted my pathway. I really wanted to be turning professional right after the Olympics. I don't really want to be hanging around the sport too long. It's a dangerous game so if I can be out in my early 30s, I'll be really happy. An early retirement, that's the plan."
Duco Events promoter David Higgins said they would love to have Nyika make his professional debut on the card but warned that parties such as Nyika's opponent and New Zealand amateur boxing have to be in agreement before anything can be confirmed.
