David Nica says he is ready to “shock the world” by upsetting IBF cruiserweight champion Jay Obitaya in their bout next week on January 8 at the Gold Coast Convention Center in Broadbeach, Australia.
This fight is as tough for Opetaia (26-0, 20 KO) as his two bouts against Mairis Briedis, and he could lose if Nyika (10-0, 9 KO) brings the pressure. The 29-year-old, 6'6″ Nikka will likely out-fight everyone Obitaya has fought during his nine-year professional career and do so similarly.
David vs. Goliath
Matchroom promoter Eddie Hearn is hopeful that Obitaya, 29, can win this fight as he wants to press on to set up a business-level bout for Jay against unified heavyweight champion Oleksandr Usyk in 2025.
“I'm a whole new animal, and on January 8, you'll see,” David Nica told Matchroom Boxing, speaking about his fight against IBF cruiserweight champion Jay Obitaya. “I can't see Obitai going down without a fight. The Ring Magazine and IBF cruiserweight titles, I'm bringing them home.
“Fighting in his backyard would be amazing. I've always performed better when I'm under pressure and when the odds are stacked. So, this is David versus Goliath. He's the king of the cruiserweight division, as far as anyone is concerned.”
“Let's shock the world. I will do everything in my power to reach my goal. And a new hero has emerged,” said Nika.
Nyika already has a blueprint for defeating Opetaia: hit him hard, pressure him, and don't let him catch a break even for a second. Obitaya partly modeled his style on Dmitry Bivol, whom he admired. When attacked aggressively, he takes off running.
In Opetaia's bout with Mairis Briedis last May, we saw a fighter who doesn't like to get hit and reacts with fear when he starts taking punishment. If Nyika could attack Opetaia with more force, he could break him and make him mentally surrender. The white flag of surrender will go up on the flagpole next to Opetaia.
Out to shock the world but the real animal is @jaiopetaia1 😉 #OpetaiaNyika | January 8 | @tasmanfighters pic.twitter.com/TeRYgx9GZb
— Match Room Boxing (@MatchroomBoxing) January 2, 2025
