Kiwi Boxer David Nyika Wins Emotional Fight for Fiancée

David Nyika secured a unanimous points victory against Wuzhati Nuerlang in Gatton, Australia, on Saturday night, dedicating the win to his fiancée, Lexy Thornberry, who is currently undergoing chemotherapy treatment for head and neck cancer. The Kiwi cruiserweight’s triumph improved his professional record to 12 wins and one loss, marking his second consecutive victory since suffering a knockout defeat in January 2023 against Jai Opetaia on the Gold Coast.

Nyika faced Nuerlang in front of a supportive crowd in his adopted hometown. Although he won every round, the performance fell short of the impactful statement he had hoped to make. Nyika acknowledged the challenges he has been navigating personally, particularly with Thornberry’s ongoing health battle. Unable to attend the fight, she remained in their hometown, focusing on her treatment.

After the fight, an emotional Nyika expressed his love and admiration for Thornberry. “Lexy, I love you. I’m so proud of you. You have been my inspiration, you have been my source of strength and courage. We’ll get through this together,” he said, visibly moved. “You are the light of my life.”

The bout lasted the full ten rounds, marking the first time Nyika had gone beyond five rounds in his professional career. Judges unanimously scored the fight in favor of Nyika, who utilized his superior speed and technique to dominate the contest. Nuerlang, despite being physically outmatched, displayed remarkable resilience, enduring multiple cuts and maintaining his composure throughout the fight.

Nyika praised Nuerlang’s efforts, acknowledging the Chinese boxer’s grit in pushing the fight to the distance. “The last six weeks have been hell,” Nyika admitted. He expressed gratitude to the Thornberry family for organizing the event and emphasized the importance of returning home to support Thornberry during her treatment.

Though Nyika’s performance left some ambiguity about his readiness for higher-stakes bouts in the cruiserweight division, he demonstrated his ability to endure a full fight against a determined opponent. As he looks ahead, Nyika’s primary focus remains on supporting his fiancée through her challenging journey.