AUCKLAND — In a thrilling, high-stakes Trans-Tasman clash, New Zealand’s David Nyika secured a mandatory shot at the vacant IBF Cruiserweight World Championship, claiming a hard-fought unanimous decision over brave rival Floyd Masson at Eventfinda Stadium.
The 12-round final eliminator delivered relentless action from the opening bell. Masson came out firing early, using his southpaw stance and vicious body attacks to take control of the opening stanzas. However, the Tokyo Olympic bronze medalist adjusted in the third, finding his range behind a long, authoritative jab and cracking Masson with sharp straight right hands.
The middle rounds saw both men exchange dynamic combinations in the center of the ring, but Nyika’s speed and superior conditioning slowly began to tilt the momentum.
Masson’s mounting frustration culminated in the final round when the referee deducted a point after his mouthpiece came loose for a third time. Forced to chase a dramatic late knockout, Masson pressed forward, but Nyika boxed brilliantly down the stretch to seal the victory.
The judges handed down scores of 115-111, 115-112, and 115-112, all in favor of Nyika.
”It was a complete war in there, and Floyd tested every bit of my resolve,” Nyika said in his post-fight interview. “I had to show a different side of myself tonight, dig deep and earn every single second of that win. Now the path is clear.”
The victory vaults Nyika (13-1, 10 KOs) to the No. 1 ranking in the IBF cruiserweight division, officially setting up a blockbuster showdown against undefeated European champion Viddal Riley for the vacant world title.