David Nyika Outpoints Floyd Masson to Win IBF Eliminator in Auckland

David Nyika got exactly the result he needed in Auckland, but Floyd Masson certainly made him work for it. Nyika came through 12 rounds to take a unanimous decision and move into the IBF’s number one position at cruiserweight, while the undercard produced a bit of everything – early finishes, unbeaten fighters moving forward and an upset in the heavyweight ranks.

Main Event: Nyika Beats Masson Over 12 Rounds

David Nyika (13-1-0) took the biggest step of his comeback by outpointing Floyd Masson (17-3-0) via unanimous decision over 12 rounds in their IBF eliminator.

It wasn’t a runaway decision. Judges Sanong Aumim and Ian Scott both scored it 115-112 for Nyika, while Brett Manton had it slightly wider at 116-111. Masson was also deducted a point in the 12th round for spitting out his mouthguard.

For Nyika, this was about getting back into the serious end of the cruiserweight division and he handled business. Masson made him earn the win, but all three judges saw Nyika ahead at the finish and the New Zealander improves to 13-1-0.

Co-Main Event: Yama Remains Unbeaten

Sheilla Yama (8-0-0) kept her perfect professional record intact with a unanimous decision victory over Jessica Messina (8-2-0) at super lightweight. Yama went the distance with Messina and got the verdict from the judges, continuing her unbeaten run.

Key Undercard Results

Hemi Ahio (25-1-0) didn’t need the scheduled 10 rounds against Joe Ageli (3-6-0). Ahio forced the stoppage in round three, winning by TKO and adding another inside-the-distance victory to his record.

There was a bit of an upset when Kyle Merewether (4-2-0) edged John Parker (11-3-0) by split decision after six rounds. Merewether entered with the less impressive record but came away with the result after a fight that needed the judges to separate them.

Unbeaten heavyweight Alex Leapai Jnr (10-0-1) moved into double figures for wins after Arsene Fosso (5-6-0) retired at the end of round three. The official result was an RTD at 3:00 of the third, keeping Leapai Jnr’s unbeaten record intact.

Undercard

Cassidy Thornberry (5-0-0) stayed unbeaten by outpointing Ross Malthus (2-5-0). Thornberry took a unanimous decision after four rounds at welterweight.

Charles Victor Baice made a quick start to his professional career, stopping fellow debutant Ijah Allen by TKO in the opening round of their super middleweight contest.

Liam Messam (8-1-1) stopped Luke Siaki (2-2-1) by TKO in round three of their four-round heavyweight fight.

Manu Vatuvei (2-0-0) made very short work of debutant Rene Ranger, scoring a first-round TKO in their heavyweight bout.

Nyika Moves Back Towards the Top

Nyika needed a meaningful win after his first professional defeat and he now has one. Twelve rounds against a determined Masson, a unanimous decision and the IBF number one spot makes this a significant night for the New Zealander. The cruiserweight world title picture just got a lot more interesting.