‘Really brutal’: Jai Opetaia knocks out his rival and requires oxygen with a surprising KO to retain the world title

Jai Opetaia left his rival David Nyika unconscious and needing oxygen after a truly brutal KO.

Opetaia was defending his IBF cruiserweight world title against undefeated compatriot David Nyika on the Gold Coast.

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The Australian star is building a true reputation as one of boxing’s most talented fighters and is looking to become the undisputed champion.

Talks also intensified about a possible clash with the current unified heavyweight champion and former undisputed cruiserweight king. Oleksandr Usyk.

Opetaia was roared by the partisan home crowd Wednesday night under the lights.

It was a vibrant first round with neither fighter willing to back down from any exchange as Opetaia dominated with some heavy artillery from the start.

The action continued in the second round, with Nyika landing some big shots late in the period showing her desire to stay with Opetaia.

But the champion continued to land some big shots in the third and fourth rounds, but Nyika took them well and looked determined.

Opetaia dropped Nyika for the first time in the fourth round with another hard hit, and he looked to step in for the kill.

He pounced once again with a shocking combination, which splashed his rival against the ropes.

Nyika was unconscious when a crunch from his left hand left him face planted on the canvas.

Medics stormed the ring when the fight was stopped and left him in poor condition on the deck.

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But fortunately he was picked up and was able to sit up after the damaging blows, much to the relief of the crowd.

A fight with Gilberto ‘Zurdo’ Ramírez now looks more likely as he first looks to unify before any clash with Usyk.

He confirmed that plan and suggested Ramirez would be next if he can execute his 2025 ideal.

“Man, all that style shit went out the window. That was a dogfight and I respect that. He kept moving forward, he kept hitting.

“Thank you David. We gave this crowd a good fight.

“Ramirezzzzzz, I’m going for the belts! I’m going for my belts.”

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Eddie Hearn He was very impressed with Opetaia’s victory and believes he will soon enter the pound-for-pound rankings.

“I mean, this is the most brutal sport of all and you saw it up close,” he added.

“I think David Nyika will be world champion in the future, but not tonight. He faced not only the best fighter in Australia, but also one of the best fighters in the world, Jai Opetaia.

“You are talking about a very special fighter. They are not only cruiserweight belts, but also heavyweight belts. A great future ahead.

“Now I should get into the pound-for-pound conversation.”

Opetaia is becoming a popular figure and has a bright future as he is currently the favorite of Saudi boxing boss Turki Alalshikh.

His contract with Riyadh Season could allow him to land the biggest fights available with Middle Eastern backing.

He could well move up to the heavyweight division once he has fulfilled his goal of unifying and becoming undisputed.

The rising star will hope to follow the path of Usyk, who became undisputed at the new weight by winning Tyson Furybefore achieving the same result in their recent rematch.

Fans hope the undefeated pair can cross paths, but the Ukrainian will. take a break from sport and has not yet decided on his next fight at 47 years old.