Nia’s plan to defeat Opetaia: pressure and power

David Niika says he is ready to “shock the world” by upsetting IBF cruiserweight champion Jay Opetai in their fight next week on January 8 at the Gold Coast Convention Center in Broadbeach, Australia.

This fight is a tough one for Opetaja (26-0, 20 KOs) just like his two fights against Mairis Briedis, and he could lose if Niika (10-0, 9 KOs) applies the pressure. The 6’6″ Niika, 29, would likely beat everyone Opetaia has fought in his nine-year professional career and do so similarly.

David vs. Goliath

Fight promoter Eddie Hearn is hoping Opetaia, 29, can win this fight as he looks to push for a business-level match for Jai against unified heavyweight champion Alexander Usyk in 2025.

“I’m a whole new animal, and by January 8, you’ll see,” David Niika told Matchroom Boxing, talking about his fight against IBF cruiserweight champion Jai Opetai. “I can’t see Opetai going down without a fight. Ring Magazine and IBF heavyweight titles, I’m bringing them home.

“The fight in his backyard will be incredible.” I have always performed better when under pressure and when the odds are stacked. So this is David vs. Goliath. He’s the king of the heavyweight division, as far as anyone’s concerned.

“Let’s shock the world.” I will do everything I can to achieve my goal. “And a new champion has emerged,” Niika said.

Niika already has a plan to beat Opettaya: hit him hard, apply pressure and don’t let him rest. Opetaia modeled his style partly on Dmitri Bivol, whom he admires. When attacked aggressively, he runs away.

What we saw in Opetaia’s rematch against Mairis Briedis last May is a fighter who doesn’t like getting hit and reacts with fear when he starts taking punishment. If Niika can attack Opetaia more aggressively, she can break him down and force him to give up mentally.

To shock the world, but the real animal is @jaiopetaia1 😉 #OpetaiaNiika | Jan 8 | @tasmanfighters pic.twitter.com/TeRIgk9GZb

— Matchroom Booking (@MatchroomBoking) January 2, 2025