The boxer, who is called the only rival for Usyk, won by brutal knockout. Video

Australian heavyweight Jay Opetaia (27-0, 21 KOs) scored a spectacular victory over New Zealander David Nyika (9-1, 8 KOs) in the first boxing title fight of 2025. The 29-year-old Sydney native, who is considered the only real challenger for Oleksandr Usyk (23-0, 14 KOs), defended his International Boxing Federation (IBF) belt.

Opetaia was considered the clear favorite of the confrontation, and on the eve of which he expressed his desire to fight Usyk. The Australian proved his class and superiority over his opponent by accepting the offer to fight hard.

The boxers acted in an open manner, constantly throwing hard punches. Opetaia forced his opponent to swing out and spend the necessary energy in constant exchanges.

In the fourth round, the champion decided to act first and knocked his opponent out at the end of the second minute. Niekka managed to get up and continue the fight, but literally immediately missed a powerful right punch and a short two and literally hung on the ropes, and then fell to the canvas.

The referee stopped the fight and recorded Opetaia's victory by technical knockout. Thus, the Australian boxer remained the IBF heavyweight champion. Now he can become one of the main contenders for a fight with Usyk.

As OBOZ.UA previously reported, manager Aegis Klimas told when Oleksandr Usyk plans to return to the ring. Artificial intelligence has already made a forecast for the Ukrainian's fight.

Earlier it became known that Usyk could give up one of the championship belts to return to the ring of the legendary Volodymyr Klychko (64-5-0-1, 54 KOs).

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