“In professional boxing, sometimes the path chooses you,” Nyika, who turns 31 on August 7, the day before the big fight, said. “I was never going to turn down the chance to fight for the world title, even if the odds were stacked against me.
“I certainly don’t regret it. I believed in myself then and I believe in myself now. The opponent might be different, but the challenge is the same. I’ve got to win against a quality, world-ranked fighter. That’s the way it’s always going to be when you’re chasing world titles.
This time, though, instead of stepping into the lion’s den, it is Nyika who will be welcoming his foe into hostile territory.
It’s also just the third professional appearance on home soil for Nyika since debuting on the undercard of New Zealand great Joseph Parker’s victory over compatriot Junior Fa in 2021.
The event is co-promoted by Duco Events and Parker’s Parker Promotions and supported by Auckland Council’s events arm.
“Being able to fight at home in Auckland was huge for me when I was establishing myself as [a] heavyweight contender so it’s great to be able to help provide that same opportunity for David,” Parker said.
David Higgins of Duco Events says that “Kiwi boxing fans have been starved of international-quality events, so we’re delighted to be bringing back not just big-time boxing – but good times and quality sporting content”.
“Our plan was always to have David headlining huge fight nights like this at home in New Zealand. But when you get a chance to fight for a world title, you’ve got to take it.
“David knew the risk he was taking against Jai Opetaia, and he stepped up and gave it everything. It’s a credit to him that he has bounced back so quickly to put himself in position to contend again.”
The fight is somewhat of a homecoming for Nyika’s rugged opponent Masson. The 34-year-old battler was born in Te Awamutu, attended Te Awamutu College and contended against the likes of David Light, Nikolas Charalampous and Sam Rapira for national titles and New Zealand Olympic team qualification as an elite amateur, before emigrating to Australia.
As a pro, Masson, who fights under the Australia flag, has fought just once on New Zealand soil, defeating noted puncher Navosa “Smiley” Ioata by unanimous decision in 2018. To put that performance in perspective, Ioata would extend Opetaia for eight rounds less than a year later.
The current IBF Pan Pacific cruiserweight champion, Masson has held the IBO cruiserweight world title and his resume includes a victory over Joseph Parker’s brother John Parker.
Masson’s only defeats have come against Belgian Ives Ngabu and classy Polish 57-fight veteran Mateusz Masternak, a former challenger for the WBO strap who currently holds the European cruiserweight title.
“David Nyika is a fight I’ve wanted for a long time,” Masson said. “As a fellow former Waikato boy, it’s pretty awesome for there to be so much on the line for both of us. The chance to win and then line up a world title fight is a dream come true for me.
“I’ve got a huge amount of respect for David – but I’ve got no doubt I can and will defeat him. He’s not used to fighting opponents who don’t quit.”
The show’s undercard includes a likely second IBF world title eliminator, with undefeated Papua New Guinean-born Kiwi Sheilla Yama (7-0) to take on a yet-to-be-announced international opponent.
The show will also feature former New Zealand Warriors star Manu Vatuvei – whose promising boxing career is being managed by David “Brown Buttabean” Letele.