Opetaia KOs Nyika, eyes Ramirez

Jai Opetaia (27-0, 21 KO) defended his IBF World cruiserweight title in impressive fashion on Wednesday in Broadbeach, Australia, stopping David Nyika (10-1, 9 KOs) in round four.

Nyika agreed the fight in three weeks’ notice, after Huseyin Cinkara withdrew because of injury.

Opetaia dropped Nyika twice in round four. After the fight he had only praise for his opponent.

“He took the fight at three weeks’ notice,” said Opetaia afterwards, “and he gave me a dog fight. I thought he would come out here and play games, but he didn’t and I respect that. I take my hat off to David. Thank you.

Opetaia is now aiming to unify titles. He wants to fight Gilberto “Zurdo” Ramirez (47-1, 30 KOs). Ramirez holds WBA and WBO belts.

“Ramirez, I’m coming for those belts,” Opetaia said. “I’ve been waiting for these unification fights for a long time and I’m coming for my belts.”

In co-main event Justis Huni (12-0) stopped Shaun Potgieter (10-2) in round two in the fight for IBF Pan Pacific and WBO Global heavyweight titles.