DAZN introduced a multi-fight partnership with Duco Occasions to turn into the worldwide broadcast accomplice for fights that includes rising cruiserweight star and New Zealander David Nyika (9-0, 8KO).
This partnership co-promoted by present WBO heavyweight champion Joseph Parker, in his first battle as a promoter, Duco Occasions and Thornberry promotions, will supercharge protection of Nyika’s pursuit of a cruiserweight world title.
On this multi-fight deal, offered by Manuka Physician, Nyika, who this week was confirmed at No. 14 within the IBF cruiserweight rankings, mentioned: “it’s extremely thrilling. I’ve obtained to do the enterprise within the ring – however this takes me an enormous step nearer to realising my dream of changing into champion of the world and bringing the world cruiserweight title to New Zealand for the primary time.”
Nyika’s intention is to comply with Parker’s journey to international stardom, prioritising fights in Aotearoa in opposition to world class opponents in entrance of packed homes on the nation’s premier venues. Nyika hopes to emulate different breakthrough stars from Australasia together with the likes of fellow Kiwi, Parker and Australians, Jai Opetaia, Justis Huni and Skye Nicolson over the approaching years.
Nyika’s first outing below the brand new promotional association is locked in for Saturday 14 September at Auckland’s Viaduct Occasions Centre together with his opponent quickly to be introduced.
This bout will likely be Nyika’s first time headlining a serious boxing pay-per-view card – and the primary of 4 headline fights yearly for the Tokyo Olympics bronze medallist and two-time Commonwealth Video games gold medallist.
After tasting the large time with a formidable KO win over undefeated German, Michael Seitz, on the undercard of the large Tyson Fury v Oleksander Usyk showdown in Saudi Arabia in Could, headlining his first pay-per-view card on DAZN in entrance of an enormous Kiwi crowd was the proper subsequent step in Nyika’s growth, his Australian coach Noel Thornberry mentioned.
“That is about making ready for these shiny lights so when the time comes they usually do shine, you don’t get blinded,” Thornberry mentioned.
“David is an enormous expertise. However each rocket wants a launching pad and for David that launching pad is combating at dwelling in New Zealand and having that as his dwelling base.”
The bout will likely be sanctioned by the IBF and WBO, with the winner to interrupt into the highest 10 of the organisations’ rankings.
Pete Oliver, CEO of Progress Markets at DAZN mentioned: “Because the World Dwelling of Boxing, and the broadcaster of the world’s greatest fights, we see a beautiful alternative to broaden our presence in New Zealand because the unique international broadcaster for this occasion.
“David Nyika is an thrilling expertise, from a massively attention-grabbing market, and we’re happy to be showcasing the battle to our international viewers.”
Duco Occasions founder and director David Higgins mentioned: “With Joseph predominantly combating on boxing’s greatest international phases at this level in his profession, together with as a part of Riyadh Season, New Zealand has been starved of premium boxing occasions.”
“We’re bringing the glamour again to New Zealand with what would be the first true black tie boxing occasion since Joseph Parker v Junior Fa in 2021. We’re delighted to play our half in delivering what’s going to undoubtedly be one of the vital thrilling evenings of the 12 months for Kiwi sports activities followers.
“The truth that DAZN – the World Dwelling of Boxing – are onboard tells you every thing you want to know concerning the high quality of the leisure we’re lining up.”
September’s ‘Manuka Physician Highway to the Title’ headline battle is step one in a three-year marketing campaign to catapult Nyika to international stardom, Higgins mentioned.
“David Nyika has every thing. He’s obtained the expertise, the charisma and the X-factor of a real champion,” added Higgins.
Nyika thanked naming rights sponsor Manuka Physician for his or her continued backing.
“Manuka Physician’s honey is my on a regular basis pure power supply and a key a part of my coaching diet,” he mentioned.
Nicola Macfarlane of Manuka Physician mentioned: “One other Kiwi celebrity athlete to be backed by Manuka Physician – David joins the household of Manuka Physician sponsorships of NZ Breakers, Joseph Parker & the NZ Olympic Crew.”
“Pure power equals explosive energy within the ring!!” added Macfarlane.
WBO interim heavyweight champion Parker’s foray into the world of boxing promotions whereas nonetheless on the prime of his recreation as a fighter is undoubtedly an enormous enhance for his countryman Nyika.
“Joseph has been there and executed it. He’s blazed the path – and remains to be blazing it – so to have him in my nook as co-promoter is large,” Nyika mentioned.
For Parker, following the likes of profitable fighters equivalent to Oscar De La Hoya and Floyd Mayweather into the promotional facet of the enterprise whereas nonetheless an energetic fighter is a pure step.
“It’s one thing I all the time knew was in my future,” Parker mentioned. “To have the prospect to assist an enormous expertise like David attain his full potential is admittedly cool. Teaming up with my long-term administration group at Duco Boxing and studying from David Higgins – the timing is unquestionably proper.
“My journey as a fighter is much from completed, and David is already properly on the way in which to a world title, so it’s an extremely thrilling time for Kiwi boxing. Boxing in New Zealand is again, child!”
