In the world title main event held at the Golf Coast Convention Center in Broadbeach, Queensland, Australia, defending IBF World Cruiserweight Champion Jay Opetaia scored a devastating 4th round knockout victory over David Najik.
The battle between the two high-profile cruiserweights was a showdown for the Australian champion, Jai Opetai. New Zealand’s David Niika (10-1, 9 KOs) was an admirable opponent, but boxing is a sport based on levels, and Jay Opetaia showed that he is a level above David Niika.
In the first round of the IBF world title fight, Opetaia was able to get in range right away and hit Niika’s body hard. Opetaia closed out the opening round by connecting with a solid combination.
Both were active in the 2nd round as Opetaia and Niika stood in the pocket and traded blows. As the 2nd round drew to a close, Opetaia landed a one-two combo, but Niika was able to respond by connecting his combo.
Using a high guard, southpaw Jay Opetaia continued his offense in the third round as he landed sharp blows to the head and body of his opponent. In the 4th round, Opetaia came out in an aggressive manner as he loaded his shots.
With 1:27 left in the fourth round, Opetaia landed a sharp uppercut. He followed it up by landing a left-right combination that sent Niik down to the canvas. Niika managed to get to his feet, but Opetaja was looking as he connected with a flurry of shots.
Opetaia finished off his opponent when he landed a left hand kick that knocked Niik out cold. After lying unconscious on the canvas for several minutes, David Niika managed to get up and stand up.
During a post-fight interview, IBF World Cruiserweight Champion Jay Opetaia (27-0, 21 KOs) stated that he respects his opponent for giving him a dogfight. When asked what’s next for him, Opetaia called out WBO, WBA World Cruiserweight Champion Gilberto Ramirez.
“Ramirez… I’m coming to get their belts. We’re coming for the rest of the belts, man, we’re coming for them,” Opetaja said a few moments after tonight’s fight.