Boxer leaves fans concerned after brutal knockout victory
Fans were left concerned after Jai Opetaia knocked out David Nyika.
Boxing fans were left stunned after Jai Opetaia beat David Nyika in a jaw-dropping knockout victory.
The two boxing stars clashed earlier today for the IBF cruiserweight title as Opetaia looked to defend his title.
Nyika established himself as a real knockout artist heading into the clash, Jai's class and talent shone through as he handed his opponent the first loss of his professional career.
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Opetaia cut a calm and composed figure from the opening bell and landed some serious shots which stunned Nyika. The cruiserweight king continued to pepper away with some sharp blows to the body in the second round before a clean strike upstairs caught the challenger.
After controlling the third, Opetaia sensed that the end was near. A brutal uppercut in the fourth dropped Nyika - which seemed to spell the beginning of the end for him. Jai stalked the challenger down, raining fire some devastating hooks before a perfectly-timed left hand sent Nyika crashing to the canvas, handing the cruiserweight champion yet another win - extending his record to 27-0.
Following the highlight-reel finish Down Under, many boxing fans were left concerned and feared for the challenger after he fell to the canvas face first. One user wrote: "I hope Nyika is ok." While another commented: "Nyika is still on the floor prayers up for him." A third posted: Nyika out cold so fingers crossed he's okay."
Another commented: "Good knockout by jai opetaia but prayers to David Nyika." A fifth wrote: "One of the scariest knockouts I've seen in a long time. Jai Opetaia is a BAD man. The world is on notice. Thoughts with David Nyika as well after that one - here's hoping he will bounce back."
After landing facedown, Nyika quickly received treatment, and a few minutes later, was sitting upright, much to the relief of the boxing faithful. Speaking after the fight, Opetaia said: “Man, all that style s*** went out the window. That was a dogfight, and I respect that. He kept coming forward, he kept punching. Thank you, David. We gave this crowd a good fight."
In what was a glittering and explosive performance, much has been made as to what's next for the cruiserweight champion, with the Aussie star now targeting a unification clash with WBO champion Gilberto Ramirez. “Ramirezzzzzz, I’m coming for the belts! I’m coming for my belts," said a confident Opetaia.
Boxing promoter Eddie Hearn was quick to sing Opetaia's praises after the bout and has called for a blockbuster showdown with Oleksandr Usyk. “I think Jai’s humble enough to not yet talk about the name of Oleksandr Usyk. I’m not," he said. “Jai’s gonna pick up all the belts in the cruiserweight division to become undisputed, then we’re gonna push him into a fight with Oleksandr Usyk.
“You have to search for greatness. I believe he’s the only person right now, cruiserweight or heavyweight, who can give Usyk a real fight. But to do it, we’ve got to get all the cruiserweight belts. Trust me, in 12-18 months, Jai Opetaia against Oleksandr Usyk...”
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