David Nyika fought back tears in an emotional interview after dedicating his latest victory to his cancer-stricken fiancée.
The New Zealand cruiserweight boxer outclassed journeyman Wuzhati Nuerlang of China in a unanimous points win in his adopted home town of Gatton.
Nyika is now based in the rural Queensland town where he trains under respected boxing coach Noel Thornberry.
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David Nyika after his victory. Stan
The 30-year-old is engaged to Thornberry’s daughter, Lexy, who was diagnosed with head and neck cancer six weeks ago and was not at the fight.
“The last six weeks have been hell,” Nyika said on Stan Sport’s coverage.
“Lexy, you have been my source of strength and courage. We’ll get through this – I tell you every day that you are the light of my life.”
David Nyika after his win. Stan
Nyika, an Olympic bronze medallist, moved to 12-1 as a professional and showed off his range of skills by switching between orthodox and southpaw stances during the fight.
He has been deeply touched by the support from the Gatton community.
“I recognise everybody in the crowd tonight and your support has been amazing. This is what makes Gatton, Gatton,” Nyika said.
David Nyika with his supporters. Stan
It was the tough but limited Nuerlang’s fifth loss in 24 fights.
“Full credit to him for bringing a good fight. He could have turned up and fallen over but he put an amazing effort in and I thank him for that,” Nyika said.
Lexy, a 24-year-old former Love Island Australia star, expressed her pride before the fight.
Lexi Thornberry and David Nyika. Instagram
“In four years, I haven’t missed a single fight of Dave’s and tomorrow night he will be fighting five minutes away from home and I won’t be able to attend #chemo,” she wrote on Instagram.
“Even though I won’t be there, I’ll be cheering him on all the same… the last five weeks leading up to this fight our entire world has been flipped upside down.
“So many appointments, surgeries and heartbreaking news. It has been the most mentally challenging time in both of our lives and I can’t even describe how proud I am that he is getting in that ring tomorrow and fighting.”