Although he got tagged more than many expected from his latest step-up in opposition, New Zealand’s unbeaten cruiserweight talent David Nyika improved to 9-0 and passed the latest test with a fourth-round stoppage win over Germany’s Michael Seitz. Afterwards we spoke about what’s next, things to take from his showing and being inspired by a former world champion compatriot.
Nyika needs more seasoning on his way up
RIYADH, SAUDI ARABIA — David Nyika did most things right en route to a career-best stoppage win in his first scheduled ten-round contest this weekend, further cementing his cruiserweight credentials as a rising prospect keen to bridge the gap.
It will clearly take time, but by all accounts he’s embracing the gradual growth and wants to map out a future that sees him rise to the top at 200lbs before long.
Where does BoxRec have him?
Currently ranked #39 (of 1,255) in the world at 200lbs, Nyika now sits two places below English titlist Viddal Riley and directly behind former world champion Ilunga Makabu, who suffered consecutive stoppage defeats in 2023 on the world stage. The rating system isn’t exactly a flawless science but gives an idea of where he is now.
Nyika, who won Olympic bronze at Tokyo 2020 as a heavyweight (91kg), beat highly-rated talent Cheavon Clarke (8-0, 6 KOs) in the Commonwealth Games semifinals as an amateur back in 2018. Clarke will box Opetaia’s former foe Ellis Zorro for British title honours this coming weekend on the Josh Taylor vs. Jack Catterall undercard.
Post-fight, the 28-year-old assured me that he wants to maintain that momentum with further activity this year – two or three more bouts – and is another boxer more than happy to stay competing exclusively on Saudi Arabia cards like Mark Chamberlain, especially with the increased exposure and luxuries accompanying it.
As far as assessing his outing was concerned, he said:
“I think I found my mark a lot earlier than anticipated, being able to work inside was what I wanted by round four or five.
Midway through the second, I felt really comfortable at close-range with someone who I’d say, was the heavier puncher so pretty happy with my performance, dominating an undefeated prospect at his own game.”
On being hit too easily during their exchanges on the inside and juggling risk vs. reward as far as optics are concerned with tougher opposition still to come, he was honest in his assessment but naturally knows there are things to work on.
“My vision was the key, being able to see everything coming. I didn’t feel in danger at any time, riding the shots I did collect so being comfortable allowed me to build momentum and draw his energy out.”
Interim WBO heavyweight champion Joseph Parker is rumoured to return around September time himself, and insisted he was open to any challenge so long as it made sense and took him closer to an opportunity for full honours again.
Although an Anthony Joshua rematch was once mooted, as well as a deal reportedly being in place to rematch Zhilei Zhang for the interim world title he recently snatched from the Chinese, both are venturing elsewhere for opportunities.
Zhang boxes former long-reigning WBC champion Deontay Wilder on June 1 with both coming off decision defeats, while Joshua is expected to face the Filip Hrgovic vs. Daniel Dubois winner – also on that Matchroom vs. Queensberry 5v5 card – for the soon-to-be-vacant IBF world championship come late September at Wembley.
Parker spoke, half-jokingly, about itching to get involved when commentating on Agit Kabayel’s stoppage win over Frank Sanchez in a tussle of unbeaten heavyweight contenders and while the German is now #1 contender with the WBC title after winning his final eliminator this weekend, Oleksandr Usyk’s undisputed victory has naturally created logjam as far as satisfying mandatories are concerned.
So, when would Nyika himself want to return?
“If the opportunity arose, I’d be on the June 1 card! I’m fit, healthy and happy, I wanna continue boxing on these incredible Saudi cards, would love to box under Parker in September or October.”
Drawing inspiration from Parker’s recent resurgence, borne from activity with five fights in 15 months on the comeback trail after a crushing R11 knockout defeat by Joe Joyce back in September 2022, he added the following on both:
“He’s understated in a lot of ways, people looked past him, wasn’t himself against Joe Joyce. He’d demolish Joyce if they ran it back. Like you say activity is key and I want to be back 2-3 times at least. There’s a potential August card in New Zealand and it’d be awesome to fight at home – I need to stay busy.”
It’ll be interesting to see if any cruiserweight prospects find themselves in a similar position, given neither Bob Arum (Top Rank) nor Eddie Hearn (Matchroom) have few. Jai Opetaia will look to unify the division naturally, but what about the next crop?
Picture source: Getty Images, quotes procured by me
Mo and Sports 