Gold Coast, Australia – Jai Opetaia believes the emotions associated with fighting in Australia inspire the nature of “Dogfight” where he defeats David Nyika
In his first fight in his home country since July 2022, when he withstood a jaw-breaking knockdown of Mairis. With Briedis dethroned as IBF cruiserweight champion, Opeia returned to his original venue, the Gold Coast Convention Centre. to trade violently against Nica for three straights before knocking him out horrifically in the fourth.
Nyika, like Opetaia, 29, remained inactive for a worryingly long time. and needed oxygen before he could finally get back on his feet. He received a standing ovation when he did so. encouraging the 5,000 strong crowd to admire the joyful battle they had just witnessed.
Opetaia has been recognized as Australia’s best fighter since his first victory over Briedis. His growing fame contributed to his next four fights taking place in Saudi Arabia and the United Kingdom.
His co-promoter, Mick Francis of Tasman Fighters, spoke first. Opetaia-Nyika of his desire to fight more in Australia and Opetaia – who is expected to fight Gilberto Ramirez next at the reunification bout in Saudi Arabia – told BoxingScene: “It’s great, man – and the fight. Dogfight is great too. Crowds come here to watch the war. They loved every minute of it.
“You know, I was tagged, he was tagged, throughout the fight. Then I cut him off in the next fight. And he couldn’t get up. That’s dangerous in a dogfight, you know? It was a hell of a gunfight. He keeps his word. So you have to respect that.
“We fight here. That’s all that matters, you know? It happened the way it happened.
“The atmosphere, the time there, the crowd, everything. The crowd loved it, friends. It was done, so the dust moved on.
“Fuck yeah (I’m enjoying it) – it’s crazy.” You’ve been hurt or punched – I took it a bit too far, you know? But it’s all good.
“Dude, it was just a normal dogfight. We just punched each other until someone went to bed. it is good
“I’m starting to get a little worried, you know? You never want to – like I said. Your opponent is never your enemy – so I want him to be okay. It took a while for him to start, but he was fine.
“I hit him with a big strike, man, and he didn’t want to go down. He didn’t want to take a step back. I take my hat off to him, brother. He shows a lot of heart. That was a full-on gunfight. I respect David. Neeka in that matter He makes the crowd fight well.”
Eddie Hearn and Matchroom are also promoting Opetaia and Hearn revealed that he has been in contact with Golden Boy Promotion’s Oscar De La Hoya, who manage WBA and WBO Champion Ramirez, to discuss the coveted unification bout.
Opetaia had previously been annoyed by his attempt to get the same fight against recently deposed WBO champion Chris Billam-Smith. But when asked if he was confident that Ramirez would be his next opponent, he replied, “Absolutely.” We’re definitely chasing that unity fight. It’s supposed to happen, you know? Why not? Why won’t it happen? Exactly, let’s go as soon as possible, friend.”
It had long been expected that Opetaia would eventually move to heavyweight. And when asked how many fights he believes he still has left in the cruiserweight division, And whether or not he will be in his prime, he said, “There is no time limit.” Do you know what I mean? We are moving at our own pace. We are our own masters. We don’t have to do what other people want us to do. We want to unite divisions. And when the postponement came, it came, there was no rush.
“Get there. (To my prime minister) Brother, the journey there is certain.”
