Nyika's Plan to Defeat Opetaia: Pressure and Force

David Nyika says he is ready to “shock the world” by upsetting IBF heavyweight champion Jai Opetaia in their fight next week on January 8 at the Gold Coast Convention Center in Broadbeach, Australia.

This fight is as tough for Opetaia (26-0, 20 KOs) as his two bouts against Mairis Briedis, and he could lose if Nyika (10-0, 9 KOs) applies the pressure. The 6’6″ Nyika, 29, would likely beat everyone Opetaia has fought during his nine-year pro career and will do so in similar fashion.

David vs. Goliath

Matchroom promoter Eddie Hearn hopes Opetaia, 29, can win this fight as he wants to push for a business-level match for Jai against unified heavyweight champion Oleksandr Usyk in 2025.

“I'm a whole new animal and on January 8 you'll see,” David Nyika told Matchroom Boxing, talking about his fight against IBF heavyweight champion Jai Opetaia. “I don't see Opetai going down without a fight. The Ring magazine and IBF heavyweight titles, I'm bringing them home.

“Fighting in his backyard will be amazing. I have always performed better when under pressure and when the odds are stacked. So it's David vs. Goliath. He is the heavyweight king as far as anyone is concerned.

“Let's shock the world. I will do my best to achieve my goal. “And a new champion has emerged,” said Nyika.

Nyika now has a plan to defeat Opetaia: hit him hard, apply pressure and don't let him rest even for a second. Opetaia modeled his style in part on Dmitry Bivol, whom he admired. When aggressively attacked, he runs away.

In Opetaia's rematch with Mairis Briedis last May, we saw a fighter who doesn't like getting hit and reacts with fear when he starts punishing. If Nyika can attack Opetaia more aggressively, he can break him and make him give up mentally. The white handover flag will go up the flagpole next to Opetaia.

He wants to shock the world, but the real animal is @jaiopetaia1 😉 #OpetaiaNyika | January 8 | @tasmanfighters pic.twitter.com/TeRYgx9GZb

— Matchroom Boxing (@MatchroomBoxing) January 2, 2025