In the World Championship main event held at the Gulf Coast Convention Center in Broadbeach, Queensland, Australia, defending IBF cruiserweight world champion Jay Obitaya scored a devastating fourth-round knockout win over David Nica.
The fight between two high-profile cruiserweights was a homecoming bout for Australian champion Jay Obitaya. New Zealander David Nica (10-1, 9 KOs) was a great opponent, but boxing is a sport of levels, and Jay Obitaya showed that he is at a higher level than David Nica.
In the opening round of their IBF world title bout, Opetaia was able to immediately get into range and land powerful shots to the body of Nyika. Opetaia ended the opening round by connecting with a powerful combination.
Both men were active in the second round as Obitaya and Nikka stood in the pocket and traded punches. As the second round came to a close, Opetaia got one or two combinations, but Nyika was able to fight back by connecting with a combination of his own.
Using high guard, southpaw Jay Obitaya continued his offense in the third round as he landed sharp punches to his opponent's head and body. In the fourth round, Obitaya came out aggressive as he loaded his shots.
With 1:27 remaining in the fourth round, Obitaya landed a sharp uppercut. He followed that up by landing a left-right combination that sent Nyika to the canvas. Nyika was able to get up, but Opetaia wandered off as he connected with a flurry of shots.
Opetaia finished off his opponent when he landed a left-handed shot that knocked Nyika out cold. After lying on the canvas in an unconscious state for a few minutes, David Nica was able to get up and stand on his feet.
During his post-fight interview, IBF cruiserweight world champion Jay Obitaya (27-0, 21 KO) mentioned that he respects his opponent for giving him a dog fight. When asked what's next for him, Obitaya criticized WBO and WBA cruiserweight world champion Gilberto Ramirez.
“Ramirez… I'm coming for the belts. We're coming for the rest of the belts, man, we're coming for them,” Obitaya said moments after tonight's fight.
