GOLD COAST, Australia – Eddie Hearn has revealed he was “very worried” about David Nyka when he remained motionless after being knocked down by Jay Opetaia.
Opetaia ended a competitive, entertaining and physical fight in the fourth round, stopping the challenger in a manner that will almost certainly be considered one of the knockouts of 2025, defending his IBF light title for the third time. Heavyweight title.
Nika had been hurt enough that the referee or Nika’s corner – led by his partner Lexi’s father Noel Thornberry – could have legitimately intervened, but callously Opetaia instead landed a further hit to the left hand, causing Nica to lose consciousness and require oxygen and several breaths. It took several minutes of medical attention before he could get back on his feet.
Oppetaya’s co-promoter Hearn compared the knockout to Anthony Joshua’s win over Francis Ngannou in 2024. However, at the Gold Coast Convention Center on Wednesday he was closer to what was happening and watched Nyika show no sign of it. Hearn opened his eyes and became more conscious, which made Hearn even more worried.
“I’m very concerned,” the promoter told BoxingScene. “Paramedics were on scene very quickly, but getting oxygen in was the first thing. You have to do it. The faster you can get oxygen to someone, the better. They put it on. He’s been out for a long time. .
“He didn’t move. His eyes were open for a long time and then he went out again, which was very worrying because he was a lovely guy too – he showed so much love. He hit A great boxing match. I was actually thinking, “It would have been fun if it had been three or four more rounds,” but after he called Jai, he woke up a little bit and I thought Jai was going to actually punch him, but. He actually doubled down and got fucking savage and he just kept sticking it to him and that’s what knocked him out.
“Joshua Ngannou — that was really bad. He was cold, too. But it was different. There were a lot of people there. Me and David were really close, so it was concerning — that It’s a terrible thing.”
New Zealand’s Nyika, who like 29-year-old Opetaia was taken to hospital after the match, nonetheless managed a convincing defeat by proving he is a very capable player. An entertaining and aggressive challenger who has enhanced his reputation, especially after accepting a date with the world’s leading lightweight at just three weeks’ notice.
“It didn’t look like a mismatch at any point,” Hearn continued. “It was competitive; he was with him; ultimately I think he was proud of himself there. Who knows, if it had been a few more rounds? He was a little careless; he got a little carried away, and he was so prepared to face the brutal The boxer paid the price.
“part of [Opetaia’s recklessness is what] That makes him who he is, he’s a brute, which makes him interesting to watch. Of course, part of you wishes the boxer would fight a little smarter, but that’s what people like to see. Everybody that left there tonight basically went, “Fuck me – that’s unreal,” and that’s what you want, you know?
“when [Nyika] The hit on the top of his head only stiffened his legs a little. I thought, “What the hell.” But when he first came out, his performance was very mesmerizing and exciting. It’s just, what’s in the heart is in the mouth. I think Jai, part of it, just thinks he’s just going to fucking run through these guys, which is dangerous, but also exciting to watch.
“I think the atmosphere was unbelievable. It was a Wednesday night in January. I think he was even very surprised. He’s been fighting on the road for a long time, but tonight I think he was thinking, ‘Damn — that’s great.’ ’. It was a great night; an amazing atmosphere.”
Opetaia is perhaps more recognized than ever as Australia’s best boxer, and the best lightweight boxer in the world. Gilberto “Zurdo” Ramirez’s recent victory over Chris Billam-Smith makes a fight between them even more intriguing Power; WBC champion Ramirez, like Oppetaya, also competes in the promotion during the Riyadh season, making a unification contest easier to secure, for which Hearn and Ramirez’s promoter Oscar De La Hoya Contact has been made.
“Oscar sent me a message saying he would watch it,” Hearn said. “He knew this was a fight. Your Excellency. [Turki Alalshikh] Hopefully this fight, hopefully in May we can achieve that. We’ll be back in Sydney with George in March [Kambosos Jnr]we have a great opportunity to do great things here [in Australia]”.
