Gatton boxer favours pro world title goal over Paris Olympics
He has two Commonwealth Games gold medals and an amateur career the envy of boxers around the world, but David Nyika is shunning an Olympic Games swan song in favour of a new dream. Find out why here.
The sparkle of Paris Olympics boxing gold has caught David Nyika’s eye on many an occasion this past year.
He was his country’s Olympic flag-bearer and secured New Zealand’s first Olympic medal in nearly 30 years – bronze at the 2020 Tokyo Olympic Games – but he will shun the bright lights of the French capital next year.
Nykia is instead focusing on his professional career and the pursuit of a world title.
“Making that decision was tough,” the two-time Commonwealth Games gold medallist said.
“My gut was telling me something though and I have to go with my gut.”
No stranger to the amateur arena Nykia, who had 71 wins (20 knockouts) from 85 amateur bouts, said he ‘doesn’t have the bandwidth’ to jump between the two styles anymore.
“People don’t understand the sports (amateur and professional boxing) are so different,” he said.
“I really tried to believe they were the same.
“But I have had to undo and forget so much of my fundamental skill set as an amateur boxer to shift to pro boxing.
“I just don’t have the bandwidth now to really focus on the amateur game and I have moved so far in the other direction.”
That move has included switching the sun and sand of Perth for the rural hamlet of Gatton.
The cruiserweight contender has linked up with legendary boxing trainer Noel Thornberry.
“I have found a team that cares about me,” he said.
“They treat me like the lead horse and in a sport like professional boxing that is so important to get yourself to where you want to be.
“I don’t want to be shark bait, I don’t want to be used by promoters as fuel for their fire
“This is very much my narrative, my story and I look forward to inspiring other boxers and young fighters to follow their dreams.
“I feel like I am exactly where I need to be, with the right crew in order to get me to a world title.
“This is just the start, it’s a big story and I can’t wait to turn the next page.”
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Nykia’s next fight is against former two-time world title contender and New Zealand pro light heavyweight Robert Berridge.
The pair will square off at jam packed Gatton Fight Night on Friday, November 3.
Nykia’s current professional record is 7 wins (6 knockouts) and 0 losses.
Originally published as Gatton boxer favours pro world title goal over Paris Olympics
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