04-26-2023, 06:14 PM
Boxing: Joseph Parker, David Nyika to headline Kiwi double act at Melbourne in May
Kiwi boxers Joseph Parker and David Nyika have been announced as headliners for a professional card in Melbourne next month.
Former world heavyweight champion Parker, 31, has been pitted against Brisbane-based Samoan Faiga 'Django' Opelu, who knocked out previously unbeaten Kiwi Hemi Ahio last year, but has since failed to go the distance against Aussies Lucas Brown and Justis Huni.
Olympic bronze medallist Nyika, 27, will face Aussie cruiserweight Louis Marsters for the second time in his short pro career, after stopping his overmatched rival in the second round last July.
Parker camp unsatisfied, underwhelmed with Kiwi's comeback win
Parker is battling to re-establish himself in title contention, after suffering his first career knockout against Briton Joe Joyce last September and an underwhelming points win over Jack Massey in January.
Manager David Higgins insists the May 24 fight can catapult him back into meaningful fights.
"He's declared he wants to fight as often as possible," Higgins told NZ Herald. "To do that, you have to take opportunities when they come up.
"Sometimes, you can sit out of the ring waiting a year-and-a-half for the big fight, the big payday. Sometimes, it's better to take every fight, book four fights during the same period and get on a roll.
"That’s what Joseph plans to do."
Unbeaten Nyika is on an opposite trajectory in his division, but also hasn't fought since his knockout of fellow Kiwi Titi Motusaga last October.
"He had a good emphatic victory in the last outing and showed what he can do," Higgins told NZ Herald. "He’s got to do that again.
"It's a brutal sport. If you're trying to build a fanbase early in your career, the fans want a stoppage. A guy like Israel Adesanya has put together some spectacular knockouts and become a juggernaut.
Kiwi boxers Joseph Parker and David Nyika have been announced as headliners for a professional card in Melbourne next month.
Former world heavyweight champion Parker, 31, has been pitted against Brisbane-based Samoan Faiga 'Django' Opelu, who knocked out previously unbeaten Kiwi Hemi Ahio last year, but has since failed to go the distance against Aussies Lucas Brown and Justis Huni.
Olympic bronze medallist Nyika, 27, will face Aussie cruiserweight Louis Marsters for the second time in his short pro career, after stopping his overmatched rival in the second round last July.
Parker camp unsatisfied, underwhelmed with Kiwi's comeback win
Parker is battling to re-establish himself in title contention, after suffering his first career knockout against Briton Joe Joyce last September and an underwhelming points win over Jack Massey in January.
Manager David Higgins insists the May 24 fight can catapult him back into meaningful fights.
"He's declared he wants to fight as often as possible," Higgins told NZ Herald. "To do that, you have to take opportunities when they come up.
"Sometimes, you can sit out of the ring waiting a year-and-a-half for the big fight, the big payday. Sometimes, it's better to take every fight, book four fights during the same period and get on a roll.
"That’s what Joseph plans to do."
Unbeaten Nyika is on an opposite trajectory in his division, but also hasn't fought since his knockout of fellow Kiwi Titi Motusaga last October.
"He had a good emphatic victory in the last outing and showed what he can do," Higgins told NZ Herald. "He’s got to do that again.
"It's a brutal sport. If you're trying to build a fanbase early in your career, the fans want a stoppage. A guy like Israel Adesanya has put together some spectacular knockouts and become a juggernaut.