IBF Cruiserweight champion Jai Opetaia earned a vicious knockout over Australian rival David Nyika in the fourth round.
In a fast-paced and electric bout, Opetaia successfully defended his IBF Cruiserweight belt for the second time against now 10-1 fighter, Nyika.
The bout took place on the Gold Coast, Australia, with Nyika stepping up to the title bout on just three weeks’ notice.
Nyika suffered a knockdown in the fourth round before being knocked out moments after the restart, taking some time to return to his feet. The impressive display from the champion showed his skill but was a round short of Eddie Hearn’s prediction for Opetaia vs Nyika.
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Jai Opetaia calls out cruiserweight champion Gilberto Ramirez
Following his impressive knockout win, Opetaia took to the microphone to call for a bout with Gilberto ‘Zurdo’ Ramirez. Fellow champion of the division, Ramirez is currently the WBO and WBA World Cruiserweight champion and boasts a record of 47-1.
When asked who could compete with him in the cruiserweight division in his post-fight interview, Opetaia responded, “Ramirez, I’m coming for the belts.”
Following up on the callout, Opetaia was asked would be ready for a bout with Ramirez in three to four months. The IBF Cruiserweight champion responded by saying, “Definitely man. I’ve been waiting for these fights for a long time. I’m chasing these unification fights. I’m coming for my belts.”
Gilberto Ramirez last fought in November of 2024. His previous bout would see him claim the World Cruiserweight title as he defeated Chris Billiam-Smith via unanimous decision.
Eddie Hearn aims for Oleksandr Usyk bout for Jai Opetaia
Speaking after Opetaia’s impressive knockout, Hearn had clear plans for Opetaia.
“Jai is going to pick up all of the belts in the cruiserweight division to become undisputed, and then, we want to push him into a fight with Oleksandr Usyk as well.”
“I believe he’s the only person, right now, in cruiserweight or heavyweight, that can genuinely give Oleksandr Usyk a real fight. But to do it, we have to pick up every belt in the cruiserweight division first.”
Although Oleksandr Usyk did tease a move back to cruiserweight, boxing promoter Hearn did say he would prefer the Ukranian to face Opetaia at heavyweight.
With Ramirez holding the WBO and WBC Cruiserweight titles, and Opetaia holding the IBF title, the fourth cruiserweight belt currently belongs to Norair Mikaeljan, who is the WBC World Cruiserweight champion.