NSB PICK EM 2025: ROUND 1. PICK EM #1: WEDNESDAY 8th JANUARY

[MulaKO]

Yeah, I've watched some tape on him. He was on the under for the first Fury - Usyk fight, if you recall. Not sure if I want to pick early or mid, but as you say, Opetaia might have stamina issues. Big step up in competition for Nyika. I think he gets hit too much to last against a big puncher like Opetaia, and we saw how being tough as defense works with the big boys with Joe Joyce. Not counting him out though. I'm still not sold on Opetaia, or the CW division in general right now.

Yeah I was a little sold on him until carefully watching his last few fights
He seems like a guy with many holes in his armour
I think he wins but not sure how lol
But thanks for input

[crimsonfalcon07]

Yeah I was a little sold on him until carefully watching his last few fights
He seems like a guy with many holes in his armour
I think he wins but not sure how lol
But thanks for input

Take a look at where Nyika holds his hands and how much he moves his head. You could honestly watch highlights, which are supposed to show his best side. He gets hit clean multiple times every fight, doesn't keep his hands up when punching and keeps his head centerline when he throws. He also throws lazy jabs that he doesn't recoil all the way. I suspect Opetaia is too big of a puncher to make those mistakes against, especially because Opetaia doesn't neglect the body. And Nyika loads up on punches too. He's absolutely ripe for counters. He's used to coming forward and having guys crumple. We do, at least, know that Opetaia is tough and has that dog in him, as well as having the experience at the championship level. Nyika has only 10 fights, none of which have made it past 5, and that was the 5 rounder.

Opetaia definitely has holes in his game, and Nyika seems like he is tough and hits hard, but geez, a few fights ago he was fighting a guy who was 3-20. If he wins, IMO that will be a strong contender for upset of the year, and that's for essentially the first fight of the year.

[MulaKO]

Take a look at where Nyika holds his hands and how much he moves his head. You could honestly watch highlights, which are supposed to show his best side. He gets hit clean multiple times every fight, doesn't keep his hands up when punching and keeps his head centerline when he throws. He also throws lazy jabs that he doesn't recoil all the way. I suspect Opetaia is too big of a puncher to make those mistakes against, especially because Opetaia doesn't neglect the body. And Nyika loads up on punches too. He's absolutely ripe for counters. He's used to coming forward and having guys crumple. We do, at least, know that Opetaia is tough and has that dog in him, as well as having the experience at the championship level. Nyika has only 10 fights, none of which have made it past 5, and that was the 5 rounder.

Opetaia definitely has holes in his game, and Nyika seems like he is tough and hits hard, but geez, a few fights ago he was fighting a guy who was 3-20. If he wins, IMO that will be a strong contender for upset of the year, and that's for essentially the first fight of the year.

I will get back to you with my impressions of him
Thanks again brother

[Joseph]

Opetai, KO, Mid

[Rockybigblower]

Rockybigblower

Opetai KO early

[eco1]

Opetaia, Ko, mid

[Damn Wicked]

Opetaia, KO, Mid

[SceneBoxer]

SceneBoxer:
Opetaia, Ko, Mid

[Tatabanya]

I assume all the multipliers have been reset? And I'm still able to help you guys out with whatever you need to keep this going. Just point the way when needed.

Yes, we're starting the new season with this, all multipliers are in place.

And thanks for your availability, it will definitely be needed as SteveM has left the Pick Em Crew for the moment, and both Koba and myself are in a phase of life which is not exactly smooth... Incidentally, I believe we're still waiting for the winner of year 2024...

[Tatabanya]

Tatabanya, Opetaia, KO, early