Boxer David Nyika Secures Unanimous Victory Amidst Heartbreaking Personal Battle
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Gatton, Queensland – December 15, 2025 – New Zealand cruiserweight david Nyika delivered a dominant, unanimous decision victory over China’s Wuzhati Nuerlang tonight in a deeply emotional fight held in rural Queensland. The win, broadcast live on TV2, marks a significant step in Nyika’s comeback, but is overshadowed by the incredibly difficult personal circumstances he and his fiancée, Lexy Thornberry, are facing.
Nyika,30,controlled the 10-round bout from start too finish,showcasing a calculated and surgical approach. Judges awarded him every round, a testament to his skill and the clear disparity in experience. While the fight itself was a convincing display of Nyika’s abilities,the true story lies in the strength and resilience displayed outside the ring.
Just six weeks ago,Lexy Thornberry received a diagnosis of head and neck cancer. She was unable to attend tonight’s fight,held near the Thornberry family residence where Nyika is currently based. Visibly moved after the victory, Nyika dedicated the win to Lexy, acknowledging the immense hardship of the past weeks.
“The last six weeks have been hell… this is what makes Gatton, Gatton,” Nyika stated, overwhelmed with gratitude for the local support.He then directly addressed his fiancée, saying, “Lexy… you have been my source of strength and courage.We’ll get through this – I tell you every day that you are the light of my life.”
This victory is especially poignant considering Nyika’s previous devastating knockout loss to Jai Opetaia in January. The fight was promoted by Lexy’s father and Nyika’s trainer, Noel Thornberry, adding another layer of personal significance to the event.
Nyika’s performance demonstrated a maturity beyond simply securing a win. he appeared focused on accumulating rounds, only increasing the intensity in the later stages, suggesting a strategic approach geared towards rebuilding confidence and stamina. Nuerlang proved a tough opponent, finishing the fight with visible cuts, but was ultimately unable to withstand Nyika’s consistent pressure and precision.
Key Takeaways:
* Dominant Win: David Nyika secures a unanimous decision victory over wuzhati Nuerlang.
* Personal Struggle: The fight takes place amidst Lexy Thornberry’s battle with head and neck cancer.
* Resilience & Dedication: Nyika dedicates the win to his fiancée, highlighting her strength and his unwavering support.
* Comeback Continues: This victory represents a crucial step in Nyika’s recovery from a previous knockout loss.
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What impact did the loss to Jai Opetaia have on David Nyika’s career trajectory?
Wikipedia‑Style Context
David Nyika (born 24 July 1995) is a New Zealand professional cruiser‑weight boxer who rose to prominence as an amateur, winning a gold medal at the 2018 Commonwealth Games and representing new Zealand at the 2020 Tokyo Olympics. Turning professional in 2021, Nyika quickly established himself as a power puncher with a polished jab and strong footwork. By early 2025 he had compiled a 12‑0 record, including notable victories over former regional champions in the Pacific and Asia.
Nyika’s career suffered a setback in January 2025 when he faced Australian world‑contender Jai Opetaia for the IBF‑pacific Cruiserweight Title. In the third round Opetaia landed a clean right‑hand that knocked Nyika out, marking the first professional loss of his career and prompting a month‑long medical suspension. Determined to rebound, Nyika and his team, led by trainer and father‑in‑law Noel Thornberry, focused on rebuilding confidence, conditioning, and ring‑IQ.
During the rehabilitation period Nyika’s personal life entered a more demanding arena. His fiancée, Lex Thornberry, was diagnosed with head‑and‑neck cancer in early November 2025, a diagnosis that prompted intensive treatment at a specialist centre in Queensland. While Lex was unable to travel, she remained a central source of emotional support for Nyika, who regularly visited her during his training camps.
On 15 December 2025 Nyika fought China’s Wuzhati Nuerlang at a regional venue in Gatton, Queensland. The bout, a ten‑round cruiser‑weight contest, saw Nyika dominate every round with a high‑output, technical style that emphasized distance control and body‑head combinations. All three judges scored the fight 100‑90 in his favour, delivering a unanimous decision victory. In the post‑fight interview Nyika dedicated the win to Lex, highlighting her courage and reaffirming his commitment to fight “for the love of the light” that she represents. The victory is now viewed as a pivotal moment in Nyika’s comeback narrative, both professionally and personally.
Key Data & Timeline
| Date | event | Location | Result / Outcome |
|---|---|---|---|
| July 2018 | Commonwealth Games – Gold Medal (Heavyweight) | Gold Coast, Australia | Defeated Abdulaziz Bojbakov (Kazakhstan) 3‑0 |
| July 2021 | Professional debut | Auckland, New Zealand | TKO 1 - William murray |
| Jan 2025 | IBF‑Pacific Title – vs. Jai Opetaia | Melbourne, Australia |
