Boxing: Nyika defeats Masson to win IBF World Title Eliminator in Auckland

Kiwi boxer David Nyika has locked in a fight for the IBF World Cruiserweight Championship after beating another Queensland-based New Zealander, Floyd Masson, in Auckland last night.Nyika won via unanimous points decision, with the fight going the full 12 rounds.He finished the stronger of the two boxers, and used his greater reach to good effect in the later rounds."He is a defensive fighter, he's actually a really good counter-puncher," Nyika said of Masson after the fight."I had a feeling his face was going to fall to bits, but I couldn't really hit him clean enough. I did enough, and I'm happy with that."We implemented a great gameplan today. We were patient. I trusted in my preparation, I trusted in my team. They did an amazing job, I can't thank them enough," he said.The win earns the 31-year-old a second shot at a world title. In January 2025, he was defeated by Jai Opetaia for his only defeat in his pro career.This title fight will be against Britain's Viddal Riley for a title that is currently vacant. Details of when and where the fight will be are to be determined.Nyika said he would be ready regardless."I feel like I've proven to myself that I'm worthy. And that being the nice guy is the way forward for me and I will continue to be the best man that I can be," he said.