Jai Opetaia v David Nyika: Q&A with Kiwi boxer ahead of world title challenge

David Nyika will fight Jai Opetaia for the IBF cruiserweight title on Wednesday. Photo / Photosport

David Nyika (10-0) will look to shake up boxing’s cruiserweight division on Wednesday night when he challenges IBF champion Jai Opetaia (26-0) in one of the sport’s biggest transtasman showdowns.

He’s the first of three New Zealanders fighting for world titles over the next seven weeks, with Mea Motu taking on Ellie Scotney for the women’s IBF, WBO and The Ring super bantamweight titles on January 25 and Joseph Parker looking to return to the peak of the heavyweight division when he battles Daniel Dubois for the IBF belt on February 22.

Nyika spoke with Elijah Fa’afiu about the opportunity, his plans for his ring attire and raising chickens in Gatton.

You’ve stepped up on three weeks’ notice to prepare for a world title fight against one of the elite southpaws in Opetaia, but you’ve already been in camp for 11 weeks now. How have the preparations been?

It’s gone without a hitch, which is a little bit suspicious. I usually have niggles and usually there are issues along the way, but this has been smooth sailing. The only issue may have been a slight lack of southpaw sparring, but in the last week of camp I managed to get some good rounds in with a top southpaw, so everything’s in good stead.

What are your observations of the champ, having sparred with him for multiple rounds and being around him outside the ring?

I think he’s the man. He’s a real force in the division and I truly believe he’s the best cruiserweight out there. I’ve learned a lot from him – his attitude towards the sport has impressed me, but I’m also starting to see a few little gaps in his temperament. I don’t know how much homework he does and when you’re fighting a guy like myself, I expect you to do a bit of homework. Spending time with him in sparring is one thing, but I’ve had a red dot on his forehead for so long now, so I’m going in with a rock-solid game plan and all I need to do is implement that to the best of my ability and I believe we’ll get the job done.

Tell me about the photo on your social media – the post-it notes on your mirror manifesting becoming a world champion and knocking out Opetaia?

It’s been a long time coming and I honestly still feel like it’s come a lot sooner than a lot of people expected. It’s a big challenge, a big opportunity, but I’ve done everything that I can to put myself in the right position to get the job done.

You’ve yet to go the full 12 rounds in your professional career. How do you prepare for going the distance?

Twelve rounds will be tough, no doubt, but I’ve got a game plan that will cancel out all his strengths. If I can do what I do well, it’ll be a lot tougher for him than it will be for me.

You’re the first of three world title fights featuring Kiwis over a seven-week span, with Mea Motu and Joseph Parker also gunning for gold. It’s an exciting time for the boxing scene in this country.

Absolutely, this is a huge year for New Zealand boxing. I feel honoured to be spearheading that move towards bringing big title fights back to New Zealand.

What were your original plans for 2025 before taking the fight against Opetaia at short notice?

It’s funny, but the world title fight has come up three times now and I’ve put my hand up all three times. So, to be honest, I would’ve expected nothing less. I prepared for this, I anticipated this; it was just a matter of time. I was going to keep putting my hand up to let the world know that I’m ready.

You joined forces with Australian trainer Noel Thornberry in May 2022. What have you made of the partnership so far?

Noel’s become a second father figure and a mentor of mine. I feel very fortunate to be part of a fighting family. I didn’t grow up in a fighting family, but the Thornberry name is so well-known in Australia. He seems to be a lucky charm, so I feel very blessed to be part of this family and it’s a continued legacy, but it’s the start of a legacy for me and my name.

Any chance of you shedding the “Nice Guy” moniker as you head towards more serious bouts like the IBF title showdown?

I think the Nice Guy’s pretty fitting to be honest and it seems ironic. I think it sums up my attitude to the sport and towards life well and I don’t think anyone else’s perception should have any impact on how I act, how I behave, [or] my persona inside and outside of the ring.

You’ve previously walked to the ring emulating characters such as Hercules, Optimus Prime and Boba Fett. Any hints as to what you’ll be wearing for your entrance attire?

This will be my favourite ring entrance to date, but it’s going to be more about me and paying homage to where I come from - being from Aotearoa and having my roots back in Africa. I’m still telling a story, but it’s my story now.

What’s on your playlist leading up to a fight and on fight day?

It’s a mix of soul, indie, old school bangers. I’m in my soul era at the moment – love my Sam Cooke and Lauryn Hill, so that’s adding a different flavour to it.

Which athlete outside of boxing would you love to see get inside the ring?

I feel like watching an NBA player would be really interesting or intriguing. Any top NBA player, I think that’d be really funny.

And finally, how are the chickens in Gatton?

Funnily enough, I booked a trip to Mexico the day after my fight – this was well before I knew I was going to be fighting on January 8. I had to batten down the hatches so that they’re safe for the next two weeks. I’ve got an automatic watering system, I’ve got their food, I just need to make sure they can’t jump over the chicken wire.

Nyika v Opetaia: All you need to know

The DAZN broadcast is set to begin around 9 p.m. tomorrow, Wednesday, January 8, with the main event likely to take place at midnight.

The bout will be broadcast on the streaming platform DAZN. People in New Zealand and Australia must pay $39.99 to view it. Elsewhere, people can watch with a DAZN subscription.