Boxing: Kiwi David Nyika’s heartfelt message after win over Wuzhati Nuerlang

Standing in the centre of the ring, a 12th win added to his professional boxing record, Kiwi cruiserweight David Nyika let his emotions show.

“I truly believe appreciation is a verb. Appreciation is a doing word. Everybody that came out tonight, everybody watching from home in New Zealand, from Australia, I thank you from the bottom of my heart – because the last six weeks have been hell.”

The Commonwealth and Olympic Games medallist claimed a one-sided decision win over China’s Wuzhati Nuerlang in his adopted hometown of Gatton, Queensland, winning all 10 rounds to improve to 12-1 as a professional.

“It was hard to enjoy myself but with a willing opponent like Nuerlang, all credit to him. He could’ve turned up and fallen over but he put an incredible effort in and I thank him for that,” Nyika said.

But the bout came just weeks after Nyika and his fiancée Lexy Thornberry announced she had been diagnosed with head and neck cancer.

The 24-year-old has begun treatment and a crowdfunding page has been set up to help lighten the load on the young couple.

Addressing the crowd with a shaky voice, Nyika took the time to thanks those who had supported them to this point.

“Lexy’s an amazing woman and she’s suffering from cancer at the moment ... we’re so grateful that everybody has come along. If you’re here, if you’re listening tonight, I appreciate you and I thank you from the bottom of my heart. Merry Christmas and a happy New Year.”

It was Nyika’s second win in a row, seeing him move in the right direction again after losing to Australian IBF cruiserweight champion Jai Opetaia in a short-notice title shot early in the year. Nyika will end 2025 ranked inside the top 10 in the IBF and WBO world rankings, as he looks to work his way back into title contention.

After the win, the 30-year-old shared a heartfelt message for his partner, who was not able to attend the bout.

“Lex, I love you, I’m so proud of you. You’ve been my inspiration, you’ve been my source of strength and courage and we’ll get through this together.

“You are the light of my life and I thank you so much for the opportunity to be here and to be supporting you, because this is what it’s all about. This is our life and I can’t wait for the rest of it.”

Kiwi middleweight Sam Beck also fought on the card, claiming a second-round knockout win.

Christopher Reive joined the Herald sports team in 2017, bringing the same versatility to his coverage as he does to his sports viewing habits.