Australia’s best male boxer Jai Opetaia will return to the ring this week as he defends his IBF cruiserweight world title against David Nyika.
Opetaia remains undefeated during a professional career that has spanned 26 pro bouts, defeating some of the toughest opponents in the division in recent years.
The 29-year-old produced a sixth-round TKO victory over Jack Massey last October, continuing to place himself higher up on the world stage.
THE MOLE: Former teen sensation quits Dogs to join NRL rival
READ MORE: Major calls loom for Aussies ahead of Ashes
READ MORE: Australian Open rocked as Wimbledon champ pulls out
But on Wednesday night, Opetaia will do battle with a man he knows extremely well in Nyika after the pair became friends during their time in the junior ranks.
While there is a healthy respect there Opetaia won’t be taking a backwards step.
“Prep has been real good, we’re ready to put on a big card,” he told 2GB’s Wide World Of Sports Radio on Monday night.
“We’re familiar with each other. When we were travelling around the world, we started as kids going through the world championships and nationals. He was always in the New Zealand team and I’d always seen him around.
“When you’re in our neck of the woods, there’s always that rivalry – but when you’re overseas and you meet a fellow Kiwi or New Zealander, you are mates.
“Over there it was a familiar face and getting to know each other, but boxing is not a team sport. There can only be one and this is the big one.”
Nyika (10-0) is also undefeated as a pro after an incredible amateur career that included an Olympic bronze medal in Tokyo and two gold medals at the Commonwealth Games.
The 29-year-old Hamilton product has continued to show his love for Opetaia in the lead-up, but the champ isn’t allowing the plaudits to become a distraction.
”I’m not interested in the mind games or what he says,” he said.
“We’re focused on our own mission, we have got our own job to do and we’ve got to execute our game plan.”
Should he be successful this week, Opetaia would likely put himself in the frame for a blockbuster showdown with Oleksander Usyk later this year as rumours about a potential bout heat up.
The all-conquering Ukrainian star, who is coming off back-to-back wins at heavyweight over Tyson Fury, has expressed his desire to drop back down a weight class in 2025.
And while the “fear of failure” is still there for Opetaia, he is more than ready for the challenges that await – including a battle with Usyk.
“That would be awesome, I would take that fight with both hands for sure,” he said.
“There’s always that fear of failure, but it gets smaller and smaller the harder you work.
“As long as you tick every box and walk into that ring with a full bank, it leaves it all up to me. As long as I’m fit, strong and ready to go, that’s all that matters.
“I’ve done my preparation and my hard work, so now it’s left to me to reap the rewards.”
Opetaia and Nykia clash on the Gold Coast on Wednesday night.