Nyika vs Masson: “All the best, brother… we’re gonna have a war”

On Saturday, 8 August, David ‘The Nice Guy’ Nyika and Floyd Masson are set to fight at Auckland’s Eventfinda Stadium for a chance to then face the UK’s Viddal Riley for the vacant IBF Cruiserweight World Title belt.

The bout was officially confirmed on Thursday morning at Aka, Radisson RED’s rooftop bar.

It will be a homecoming of sorts for both men. Nyika has been based out of Australia for a few years now, but grew up in Hamilton and still flies the New Zealand flag.

Floyd Masson was born and raised in Te Awamutu but made the switch to train out of Brisbane, Australia.

At the press conference, a few things were clearly missing.

There were no insults, call-outs, backhanded compliments or aggression. Instead, they spoke glowingly about each other.

“I could always say, 'Man, I just hate him, I hate his family, I hate what he looks like, I want to rip his head off, he's a piece of crap,' blah blah blah... but all that's lying. The main thing is... you're going to see a very great fight,” Masson said.

Nyika then one-upped his opposition with the compliments, clearly earning his nickname.

“I told him he's not going to out-nice me!

“I love Floyd. People don't know, but I actually grew up with Floyd. He used to be good friends with my older sister. We used to talk shop in the hallway when my older sister was having house parties.

“If there's anyone on earth right now that deserves an opportunity like this, it's Floyd... I've seen him training tirelessly for these opportunities that have just been slipping through the cracks.”

However, don’t mistake the kind words for a lack of fighting spirit; they showed plenty.

Floyd said he was “ready to stand there and try to take his head off”, and Nyika’s coach, Nigel Thornberry, said they were preparing for “12 rounds of war”.

The next time they meet will likely be at the weigh-in in August, and both have a lot of work to do.

One thing was clear to those at the press conference: on the night, it will be about the best man winning, rather than flashy headlines or bad blood.

The event is presented by Stonewood Homes and co-promoted by Duco Events alongside Parker Promotions, with full backing from Auckland Council Events. Tickets go on sale on Monday, 25 May at 6am.