“It’s a part of our story now. I’m proud of what we’ve achieved, Lex and I, and the strength that I’ve seen in her.
“Obviously it gets a bit repetitive, but it’s a big part of our story now and we’ve shown our strength and I’ve shown my hand as a partner and a spouse, so, no, I’m proud of it,” Nyika said when asked if he was tired of fielding questions on the matter.
Turning the attention to his bout, there were plenty of similarities between Nyika and Masson ahead of the clash.
Both fighters were born in Waikato and are now based in Australia. They sit ranked at No 5 and 6 in the world on the IBF rankings – Nyika the higher of the two and also ranked at No 5 with the WBO – and they are both hungry for more.
The winner between Floyd Masson and David Nyika is expected to go on to fight for the vacant IBF world cruiserweight title. Photo / Photosport
“I remember commenting on a post of his talking about the rankings. I think he put a photo of the IBF rankings and I was just one ahead of him and I said, ‘Oh, race you to the top’.
“I had a feeling that he wanted the fight a while ago, so it’s cool. There was the potential that we were going to fight in September of 2024 here in Auckland, but you know, God had other plans, and I think he’s been placed in front of me 1786091290 for a reason.
“This is a better time than ever to showcase my skill and my dedication because I wasn’t as well-prepared back in 2024 and this will be the best version of myself.”
The winner of Saturday night’s bout in Auckland will go on to fight undefeated Brit Viddal Riley (14-0) for the vacant belt.
It’s a situation they find themselves in after former IBF world champion Jai Opetaia was controversially stripped of the title after competing for the inaugural Zuffa Boxing cruiserweight championship – a new promotion under the same banner as the UFC.
The IBF withdrew its sanction of the fight three days prior as Zuffa Boxing was not a sanctioning body recognised by the IBF, and any champion taking part in unsanctioned bouts results in the belt becoming vacant.
Nyika and Masson were confident either of them would go on to beat Riley.
Despite being born in New Zealand, Masson didn’t mind being painted as the bad guy of sorts for Nyika’s homecoming – being billed as Australian throughout the build-up.
“It’s good for the promotion, I guess,” Masson said. “So yeah, it is what it is. It doesn’t faze me at all. People that know me know I’m happy to represent New Zealand and Australia.”
As for how he matched up with Nyika, Masson, a former IBO world champion, was confident his style – particularly his cardio – would give Nyika problems in the 12-round bout.
“I just believe I can match him with what he brings. I just believe I’ll be able to outwork him in certain areas and I’ve got the experience. I’m going to bring the experience to this fight, knowing what pace I can push for 12 rounds.”
The bout headlines a strong undercard, which includes unbeaten Waikato-trained super lightweight boxer Sheilla Yama, who looks to move another step closer to a world title shot in her fight against Australian Jessica Messina.
The card also features a host of Australasian rising talent – as well as former All Blacks Liam Messam and Rene Ranger, and former Warriors winger Manu Vatuvei.
For Nyika, it’s a card that sees him bring his friends along for the ride, with teammates Alex Leapai Jr and Cassidy Thornberry on the undercard.
“Oh, that’s like my brothers are coming to fight on the same card, you know,” Nyika said.
“I’ve known Liam Messam since I was a young boy, when I first started boxing and, fast forward, I’ve met the likes of the Thornberrys; I’ve got Cassidy Thornberry on the card, Alex Leapai Jr, they have become my live-in brothers, you know what I mean?
“It’s super special to have them riding on the back of this movement. [Coach] Noel Thornberry’s lived and breathed boxing for his entire life, since his father was fighting. So I’m a part of a fighting family now. As much as I never would have seen that coming as a kid, I’m so blessed with the company I’m in.”
David Nyika v Floyd Masson
Eventfinda Stadium, Auckland.
Saturday, August 8 from 7pm
Full card
David Nyika v Floyd Masson – IBF Cruiserweight World Title eliminator, 12 rounds
Sheilla Yama v Jessica Messina – IBF International Super Lightweight title, 10 rounds
Hemi Ahio v Joe Ageli – heavyweight, 10 rounds
Manu Vatuvei v Rene Ranger – heavyweight, four rounds
Alex Leapai Jr v Arsene Fosso – heavyweight, six rounds
John Parker v Kyle Mereweather – catchweight, six rounds
Cassidy Thornberry v Ross Malthus – welterweight, four rounds
Liam Messam v Luke Siaki – heavyweight, four rounds
How to watch
The card is available via TVNZ+ Event Pass for $44.95. The Herald will also be providing live updates of the action at nzherald.co.nz/sport.
Australian viewers can book the pay-per-view on Kayo Sports for AU$49.95.
International viewers can book the pay-per-view through the Combat Sports Network (CSN) for US$31.99.
Christopher Reive joined the Herald sports team in 2017, bringing the same versatility to his coverage as he does to his sports viewing habits.