Comments Thread For: Weights from Australia: Jai Opetaia and David Nyika both come in under 200lbs

[BoxingUpdates]

Opetaia is fighting in his home country for the first time since July 2022, when he transformed his career with a victory over Mairis Briedis.
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[Quiksilva]

I'm hoping David Nyika pulls an upset. Jai Opetaia is the favourite going in tho—this should be a good clash between them two. I've been following Nyika for quite some time now.

I question if this title shot is too soon and is he ready to be up in the big lights?

[pollywog]

I'm hoping David Nyika pulls an upset. Jai Opetaia is the favourite going in tho—this should be a good clash between them two. I've been following Nyika for quite some time now.

I question if this title shot is too soon and is he ready to be up in the big lights?

My question is does Nyika have enough pop to keep Jai honest...waddayarekkin ?

[Rockybigblower]

My question is does Nyika have enough pop to keep Jai honest...waddayarekkin ?

No. He also lacks the required defence. He may have the chin to take a shot...but not the amount of shots he will take with a puncher like Opetai.

[Toffee]

Only one way to find out if he can live at this level. 3 weeks notice isn't ideal though.

I reckon he'll give a decent account of himself but Jai is obviously a huge favourite for a reason.

[pollywog]

Jai is obviously a huge favourite for a reason.

Yeah...he's Pasifikan by way of Samoa.

Cheehoo!!!

[crimsonfalcon07]

Opetaia has holes in his game, but I don't think Nyika has what it takes defensively. He's got so many flaws. Throws lazy jabs, doesn't recoil back to guard, and leaves the head in the centerline, especially when he opens up. Even in his highlight reels, he still gets hit flush way too much. But it will be a war as long as it lasts.

[PRINCEKOOL]

I don't rate Jai Opetaia that highly, compared to recent great cruiserweight fighters such as David Haye and Oleksandr Uysk 'I am wondering if Opetaia is in and around Marko Huck's level. Opetaia will only prove that he is as great as those fighters, if he invades the Heavyweight Division and wins a World title'.

If Jai Opetaia does not achieve those type of feats 'He is just another classically physique style heavyweight fighter, that has chosen to remain competing in the Cruiserweight Division'. Opetaia would of most likely been a Heavyweight fighter, during the 80's, 70's and all past boxing eras. The top level Cruiserweight fighters in my opinion once they become the Undisputed Champions, should naturally aspired to challenge the top level Heavyweight fighters'.

Note: Last night, I was watching one of David Nyika's recent fights 'I sometimes do this, just too see how a fighter moves. i.e. Their mannerisms, and how solid their boxing fundamental's are. Usually within a few seconds of observing a fighter like this, regardless of whom they are competing against. I can immediately detect if, skill for skill they are above domestic level, and they are solid athletes'.

David Nyika has solid enough form, and does seems like one of the better athletes in the cruiser weight division 'His power is nothing brutal, but I would expect his punches are set to stun vs his opponent's'.

To conclude: If Nyika has a chance of winning this fight, it may be boasted by his skill for skill boxing 'Like I alluded to at the beginning of my post. Jai Opetaia is a aggressive, and powerful fighter. But at times I just get the sense that? Once he collides with another Cruiserweight who is a good enough athlete, and in terms of brute strength? Has the durability to endure his attacks, and maintain their form. Jai Opetaia potentially susceptible to being out boxed'.

In comparison, David Haye not only had a brutal offense 'Skill for skill he was also at his peak as a Cruiserweight fighter. One of the best skill for skill boxers in the entire division. I don't really rate Jai Opetaia as that level of talent, for whatever reason? Certain sections of the boxing media may be overrating his abilities'.

Overall this is just my general estimation Jai Opetaia 'Nyika has taken this title fight, on a short notice of 3 weeks. But really both fighters have been thrown into the same situation, neither have been preparing to fight each other for a full training camp'.

If David Nyika was already in heavy training, to fight another opponent 'Then suddenly getting this opportunity, to fight Jai Opetaia could work out better for him. Because there is a possibility that skill for skill, he is a better fighter than Jai Opetaia. Nyika was a top level Amateur fighter, so I would not expect that type of fighter? To just wade into this title opportunity and throw caution to the wind. The contest could be a more difficult and technically challenging for Jai Opetaia than people are expect' etc.

[jas]

closer fight than the odds suggest

jai is strong, doesnt use his jab much, good left to body and head, good catch and counter right hook which will work well vs nyika because nyika's will go for left hook and get close and leave that opening. but nyika is fast and fairly strong - not the thudding power of jai but sharp and strong.

i think nyika will be able to counter jai

[Quiksilva]

yeah...he's pasifikan by way of samoa.

Cheehoo!!!

Sole, se kefs alofas aku uso