Professional boxers David Nyika (right) and Hemi Ahio during a press conference and media opportunity on TVNZ to announce their upcoming fights on the undercard of the rematch between George Kambosos Jr and Devin Haney in Melbourne in October. Monday 12th September 2022. © Photo: Andrew Cornaga / www.photosport.nz
World-class boxing prospects David Nyika and Hemi Ahio will showcase their talents in separate fights on the undercard of the undisputed lightweight championship rematch between former Australian unified world champion George Kambosos Jr and current American undisputed world champion Devin Haney in Melbourne on October 16.
Olympic bronze medalist Nyika will take another important step on the road to the sport’s biggest moment and undefeated heavyweight knockout artist Ahio is poised to break into the world rankings.
Hemi Ahio – Photo by Andrew Cornaga www.photosport.nz
The event will be broadcast live on free television in New Zealand by TVNZ, marking the first time the national broadcaster has broadcast boxing live since 2007.
The last time a world boxing title fight was shown for free in New Zealand was Tua’s unsuccessful match against Lennox Lewis in November 2000. The broadcast was watched by a record 1.3 million people, which at the time translated to an incredible 82% of all viewers, and more than 200,000 watched the royal wedding of Charles and Diana. Kambosos stunned the boxing world last November when he pulled off one of the sport’s biggest upsets by defeating Teofimo Lopez at famed Madison Square Garden to claim the IBF, WBA and WBO lightweight world titles. The Aussie hero immediately showed what he was made of, putting his title on the line against the dashing Haney in a massive unification fight at Melbourne’s Marvel Stadium in June. Haney won a comfortable decision, but Kambosos vowed to avenge his first loss. The opportunity to showcase their talents to fans at home while appearing on the undercard of one of the biggest events of the year is huge for Nyika and Ahio. “Everyone knows that I am an incredibly proud Kiwi,” says Nyika. “Boxing can be a lonely sport, so walking into the ring knowing my family, friends and supporters back home will be watching is a huge boost.” Nyika’s trainer, Noel Thornberry, was delighted that boxing was once again attracting mainstream interest in New Zealand. “Boxing has provided some of the greatest moments in New Zealand sporting history,” says Thornberry. “David Tua paved the way for the likes of Joseph Parker, Shane Cameron, Maselino Masoe and now David Nyika is next in line to carry on that incredible legacy. David is already a national hero with his exploits at the Olympics and Commonwealth Games. He is a world class athlete so it is great that all New Zealand sports fans have this amazing opportunity to see him in action.” The undefeated Ahio is also excited for his chance to be in the spotlight. “There is so much more to New Zealand heavyweight boxing than Joseph Parker,” Ahio said. “We have some amazing fighters on the way. This is our chance to prove it, and I’m delighted to be a part of it and to be live on TVNZ free to air is fantastic and makes this great occasion accessible to all boxing fans.” “New Zealand heavyweight powerhouse , Hemi Ahio is known locally as the ‘Tongan Tyson’ for his size, style, power and devastating knockouts,” said Ahio promoter Lou DiBella, president of DiBella Entertainment. “On the verge of entering the world rankings, Ahio has the opportunity to showcase his talent in front of an international audience. He will take on heavy-handed, Samoan-born Australian Faiga Opelu in what is a meaningful and fan-friendly matchup.”
David Nyika – Photo by Andrew Cornaga www.photosport.nz
David Higgins of Duco Events, which co-promotes the event alongside world heavyweights Top Rank and DiBella Entertainment and organizes the event in association with TEG Sport, said he was delighted to be able to help showcase the next generation of New Zealand boxers. “I always wanted to find a way to get the world championship boxing show on broadcast television in New Zealand,” Higgins said. “Interest is huge, so good at TVNZ for coming to the party. That we can work alongside the likes of Top Rank’s Bob Arum and DiBella Entertainment’s Lou DiBella to help showcase talents like David Nyika and Hemi Ahio to a massive television audience shows just how far boxing has come in New Zealand. This is a huge step forward for New Zealand sports fans.”
Legendary American promoter Bob Arum is delighted that the undercard of one of the biggest events in Australasian boxing history has such a strong New Zealand presence.
“I am excited to see two of New Zealand’s brightest talents, Hemi Ahio and David Nyika, appear on the historic Haney-Kambosos 2 card,” said Arum. “New Zealand fight fans are passionate and knowledgeable, and I am delighted that an event of this magnitude, headlined by the undisputed lightweight world championship, is broadcast free on TVNZ.”
TVNZ Chief Content Officer Cate Slater says: “It’s been almost 20 years since we’ve seen a boxing event of this scale on TVNZ, and we’re delighted to be a part of it. What better way to showcase the sport than with New Zealand superstar David Nyika on the undercard, as well as another bout with fellow New Zealand boxer Hemi Ahio. This special event is another example of TVNZ’s commitment to bringing the sporting moments that matter to the nation, as we strive to be New Zealand’s home for broadcast sport.”
A Top Rank/DiBella Entertainment press release was used in this article.
