This week sees the first world title fight of 2025 in boxing and it is a good one to say the least.
Jai Opetaia vs David Nyika in an Australia vs New Zealand clash on Wednesday January 8th and rivalry which always throws up good action between the two countries — both fighters are undefeated and bringing the heat this weekend.
Speaking to DAZN in their official face off before the fight this week — both fighters said:
“Charlie Parsons:
My name is Charlie Parsons, and we’re here on behalf of DAZN Boxing Down Under on the Gold Coast, Wednesday, January 8th. We have a Trans-Tasman World Title fight: Jai Opetaia versus David Nyika. The IBF and Ring Magazine titles are on the line. Both fighters are here with us. Welcome, gentlemen.
Charlie Parsons (to Jai):
Jai, we spoke earlier about this homecoming. I know how much you’ve wanted this moment. It must be an exciting time for you.
Jai Opetaia:
It’s very exciting, man. To be here, headlining with a great opponent, it’s good. David’s here in the Lion’s Den, and I’m happy to welcome him. This is what my whole career has been building toward.
Charlie Parsons:
To both of you, boxing has grown massively in this part of the world over the past few years. Fighters from Australia and New Zealand have been making waves overseas. Now, to have an event of this caliber back here on the Gold Coast shows how far the sport has come.
Jai Opetaia:
Definitely. Fighters from our region—Aussies and Kiwis—have been showing the world what we’re made of. Every time we step onto an international stage, we represent. Now it’s our time to shine, to represent and fly our flags proudly. This fight is huge for us, for our part of the world.
Charlie Parsons:
David, it’s not quite a home fight for you, but being here in the Gold Coast is as close as it gets for now. How special is it to have this opportunity?
David Nyika:
Australia has become like a second home to me. I’ve been living in rural Queensland for the past two and a half years. I have a great support network here. My friends even flew straight in from Bali to watch this fight. I feel very blessed to have this opportunity to step into the ring with someone like Jai—a great champion who has dominated his opponents. It’s a privilege to test myself against him.
Charlie Parsons:
David, what does the Ring Magazine belt mean to you?
David Nyika:
I don’t focus on titles the way others might. For me, it’s about the adversaries—facing the best of the best. That’s what inspires me. Everyone remembers the greats, and I want to be on that list.
Charlie Parsons:
Let’s talk about the fight itself. You’ve shared rounds in sparring before. Does that experience give you more confidence going into Wednesday night?
David Nyika:
We’ve had very competitive rounds in the past. Sparring and fighting are different, but I believe the fans are in for a great show.
Charlie Parsons (to Jai):
Reflection on those rounds?
Jai Opetaia:
Sparring is in the past. I’m focused on the fight. Sparring doesn’t matter—it’s a completely different ballgame now.
Charlie Parsons:
Jai, you’ve said you believe you can knock him out. Why?
Jai Opetaia:
If I didn’t believe that, I’d be in the wrong sport. I’ve prepared diligently and done everything necessary. I’m ready.
Charlie Parsons:
David, Jai’s never gone past five rounds. This fight is scheduled for 12. What’s your response to his belief that it might not go the distance?
David Nyika:
Boxing is a dangerous game. He thinks it’ll be a gunfight, but I believe it’ll be a chess match. Let’s see.
Charlie Parsons (to Jai):
How do you feel about his confidence?
Jai Opetaia:
Confidence is fine, but I’ve trained for this moment. I’m prepared for anything he brings.
Charlie Parsons (to David):
This is a big step up at this stage of your career. Why take it now?
David Nyika:
This isn’t by chance; it’s by design. I’ve put my hand up multiple times for opportunities like this. I’m here to take his crown.
Charlie Parsons (to Jai):
Do you think it’s too soon for David?
Jai Opetaia:
I’m not worried about that. My focus is on January 8th.
Charlie Parsons:
Why do you win, Jai?
Jai Opetaia:
Winning is my only option. My life has been molded for moments like this.
Charlie Parsons (to David):
What happens Wednesday night?
David Nyika:
It’s going to be tough for both of us. This will be a career-defining moment for me.
Jai Opetaia:
Everyone comes in confident. Let’s see what happens.
Charlie Parsons:
Thank you both. Wednesday, January 8th, live on DAZN Pay-Per-View in Australia and New Zealand, and available worldwide for DAZN subscribers, we have one of the biggest fights Down Under in years. Jai Opetaia, the IBF and Ring Magazine Champion, versus David Nyika — a Trans-Tasman showdown. Don’t miss it!”
There you have it.
Good scrap in store this week in boxing’s first world title fight of the new year.
Good clash of styles too and unbeaten records — there will be war this week in the boxing ring — guaranteed.
