\u201cIt\u2019s a part of our story now. I\u2019m proud of what we\u2019ve achieved, Lex and I, and the strength that I\u2019ve seen in her. <\/p>\n
\u201cObviously it gets a bit repetitive, but it\u2019s a big part of our story now and we\u2019ve shown our strength and I\u2019ve shown my hand as a partner and a spouse, so, no, I\u2019m proud of it,\u201d Nyika said when asked if he was tired of fielding questions on the matter. <\/p>\n
Turning the attention to his bout, there were plenty of similarities between Nyika and Masson ahead of the clash. <\/p>\n
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 \u2013 Nyika the higher of the two and also ranked at No 5 with the WBO \u2013 and they are both hungry for more. <\/p>\n
The winner between Floyd Masson and David Nyika is expected to go on to fight for the vacant IBF world cruiserweight title. Photo \/ Photosport<\/p>\n
\u201cI 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, \u2018Oh, race you to the top\u2019. <\/p>\n
\u201cI had a feeling that he wanted the fight a while ago, so it\u2019s 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\u2019s been placed in front of me 1786091290 for a reason. <\/p>\n
\u201cThis is a better time than ever to showcase my skill and my dedication because I wasn\u2019t as well-prepared back in 2024 and this will be the best version of myself.\u201d <\/p>\n
The winner of Saturday night\u2019s bout in Auckland will go on to fight undefeated Brit Viddal Riley (14-0) for the vacant belt. <\/p>\n
It\u2019s 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 \u2013 a new promotion under the same banner as the UFC. <\/p>\n
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. <\/p>\n
Nyika and Masson were confident either of them would go on to beat Riley. <\/p>\n
Despite being born in New Zealand, Masson didn\u2019t mind being painted as the bad guy of sorts for Nyika\u2019s homecoming \u2013 being billed as Australian throughout the build-up. <\/p>\n
\u201cIt\u2019s good for the promotion, I guess,\u201d Masson said. \u201cSo yeah, it is what it is. It doesn\u2019t faze me at all. People that know me know I\u2019m happy to represent New Zealand and Australia.\u201d <\/p>\n
As for how he matched up with Nyika, Masson, a former IBO world champion, was confident his style \u2013 particularly his cardio \u2013 would give Nyika problems in the 12-round bout. <\/p>\n
\u201cI just believe I can match him with what he brings. I just believe I\u2019ll be able to outwork him in certain areas and I\u2019ve got the experience. I\u2019m going to bring the experience to this fight, knowing what pace I can push for 12 rounds.\u201d <\/p>\n
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. <\/p>\n
The card also features a host of Australasian rising talent \u2013 as well as former All Blacks Liam Messam and Rene Ranger,<\/a> and former Warriors winger Manu Vatuvei.<\/a> <\/p>\n For Nyika, it\u2019s a card that sees him bring his friends along for the ride, with teammates Alex Leapai Jr and Cassidy Thornberry on the undercard. <\/p>\n \u201cOh, that\u2019s like my brothers are coming to fight on the same card, you know,\u201d Nyika said. <\/p>\n \u201cI\u2019ve known Liam Messam since I was a young boy, when I first started boxing and, fast forward, I\u2019ve met the likes of the Thornberrys; I\u2019ve got Cassidy Thornberry on the card, Alex Leapai Jr, they have become my live-in brothers, you know what I mean? <\/p>\n \u201cIt\u2019s super special to have them riding on the back of this movement. [Coach] Noel Thornberry\u2019s lived and breathed boxing for his entire life, since his father was fighting. So I\u2019m a part of a fighting family now. As much as I never would have seen that coming as a kid, I\u2019m so blessed with the company I\u2019m in.\u201d <\/p>\n David Nyika v Floyd Masson <\/p>\n Eventfinda Stadium, Auckland. <\/p>\n Saturday, August 8 from 7pm <\/p>\n Full card <\/p>\n David Nyika v Floyd Masson \u2013 IBF Cruiserweight World Title eliminator, 12 rounds <\/p>\n Sheilla Yama v Jessica Messina \u2013 IBF International Super Lightweight title, 10 rounds <\/p>\n Hemi Ahio v Joe Ageli \u2013 heavyweight, 10 rounds <\/p>\n Manu Vatuvei v Rene Ranger \u2013 heavyweight, four rounds <\/p>\n Alex Leapai Jr v Arsene Fosso \u2013 heavyweight, six rounds <\/p>\n John Parker v Kyle Mereweather \u2013 catchweight, six rounds <\/p>\n Cassidy Thornberry v Ross Malthus \u2013 welterweight, four rounds <\/p>\n Liam Messam v Luke Siaki \u2013 heavyweight, four rounds <\/p>\n How to watch <\/p>\n 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. <\/p>\n Australian viewers can book the pay-per-view on Kayo Sports for AU$49.95.<\/p>\n International viewers can book the pay-per-view through the Combat Sports Network (CSN) for US$31.99.<\/p>\n