Jai Opetaia Issues Bold Callout: ‘I’m Coming for the Belts’

On January 8, at the Gold Coast Convention and Exhibition Centre, Jai Opetaia (27-0, 21 KOs) impressively dismantled New Zealand fighter David Nyika (10-1, 9 KOs) to retain his IBF cruiserweight title. In Australia and New Zealand, the fight was available on DAZN PPV. You could watch with a DAZN subscription elsewhere. Following this dominant win, attention quickly turned to the next contest for Opetaia and he was clear about who he wanted next.

Jai Opetaia Next Fight: Calls for Unification After Nyika Victory

Opetaia vs. Nyika Recap

It was an active opening round, with Nyika landing some eye-catching shots against the champion. The early accuracy from the New Zealand fighter failed to slow Opetaia down who began to land hard shots on his opponent. The spite in everything Opetaia threw was eye-catching, whether hooks or uppercuts, it was soon all Opetaia.

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Round four saw the end, with a short right hand, knocking Nyika down. Despite beating the count, the challenger was on shaky legs, and the IBF champ pounced, landing a vicious series of hooks which left Nyika on the canvas, unconscious for several minutes. He eventually made it to his feet and left the ring, with the Sydney native left to think about what’s next.

Jai Opetaia Next Fight: IBF Champ and Eddie Hearn Discuss Future Bouts

In the post-fight interview, the Australian fighter had a clear message for Gilberto “Zurdo” Ramirez: “Ramirez, I’m coming for the belts,” Opetaia said. “I’ve been waiting for these fights for a long time.”

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His promoter Eddie Hearn had his say on the future for the IBF champ: “I believe he’s the only person right now … cruiserweight or heavyweight who can give Oleksandr Usyk a real, real fight,” Hearn said. “But to do it, we gotta pick up every belt in the cruiserweight division first to give him the credibility … to make Oleksandr Usyk get in the ring.”