David Nyika vs Floyd Masson preview, date, how to live stream the fight in Australia, start time

He was on the wrong side of what remains one of Jai Opetaia’s greatest KOs.

So what chance David Nyika now steals the Australian’s biggest fight?

Less than two years after being stopped in an IBF cruiserweight headliner against Opetaia, Nyika is now gunning for a second shot at the same crown — taking on Australia’s Floyd Masson in a title eliminator in Auckland, New Zealand this Saturday night.

Nyika v Masson | Saturday August 8 from 5pm AEST | One of the biggest nights in New Zealand boxing in recent years is coming to Auckland. Headlined by an official IBF Cruiserweight World Title Eliminator at Auckland’s Eventfinda Stadium on Saturday 8 August 2026. | Order Now with Main Event on Kayo Sports.

According to Sportsbet, Nyika is the $1.25 favourite for a bout where the winner then faces undefeated Englishman Viddal Riley for the now vacant IBF crown — which was controversially stripped from Opetaia in March, and after signing Zuffa Boxing.

Masson, meanwhile, is paying $4.40 in Saturday’s headliner.

Apart from earning a crack at the now vacant IBF strap, the winner will also go into the mix for what could eventually be a blockbuster showdown against Mexican-American superstar David Benavidez.

While Opetaia has also long been talked up for a Benavidez blockbuster, questions now surround that opportunity following his being stripped of IBF gold.

In a further twist to the situation, Zuffa Boxing announced this week that Opetaia will face WBC cruiserweight champ Noel Mikaelian this September in Las Vegas.

However there is also talk that Mikaelian and Benavidez have signed to fight in December.

Speaking with Fox Sports Australia this week, Nyika stressed that, regardless of how all that plays out, he knows winning the IBF crown will eventually land him a shot at Benavidez for himself.

The New Zealander also stressed he had no regrets about facing Opetaia on 18 days’ notice in early 2025 — a fight where he tested the Aussie superstar early before being stopped in the fourth.

Elsewhere, the Kiwi also spoke of having the “blueprint” to beat Benavidez, who has long been hyped up as a potential opponent for Opetaia after moving up in weight to claim both the WBO and WBA cruiserweight crowns.

“The way I see my future,” Nyika started, “I’ve always been looking at getting the IBF cruiserweight title first.

“And then from there, the WBO would be my next primary focus.

“So ideally, I beat Floyd Masson, then Riley for the IBF strap. And then from there I go on to unify against the likes of David Benavidez.

“And look, I know I’m not world renowned yet. But if I get myself the IBF world title, I’m guessing somebody like Benavidez – who has always strived to be the greatest – would definitely be interested in that fight.

“Because while I’m not the biggest name in boxing right now, that fight becomes far more enticing when you’ve got someone like Benavidez looking to unify all the titles.”

So as for how a fight against Benavidez plays out?

“Obviously with his natural ability, his hand speed, his fluency in the ring, he is just so dominant,” Nyika says. “But I also don’t think he’s a fully fledged cruiserweight.

“And apart from being the bigger man, I also believe I’ve seen the blueprint [for victory] from afar.

“For now, I’ll keep that close to my chest. But I do believe I’ve got all the tools to make that one a really difficult fight for him.”

Quizzed on if he regretted taking the Opetaia fight, which remains the only blemish on an otherwise perfect record, Nyika continued: “Nah, not at all.

“Obviously in hindsight, maybe it wasn’t the smartest of decisions.

“But you have to dare to be great.

“I’ve always wanted to be a man of courage. A man of integrity. And nothing changes.

“So there’s no crying over spilt milk.

“I’ve always believed in myself and gave myself 18 days to prepare for the cruiserweight division’s scariest dude.

“And that night, the best man won. But there is definitely a chip on my shoulder now.”

And as for if he ever faces Opetaia again?

“I believe so,” he said. “I’ve got all the respect in the world for Jai. And I know a second fight will all come down to the politics of boxing.

“But there are some really lucrative fights out there. [Undisputed] fights against guys like David Benavidez, the whole world wants to see that.”

Masson, meanwhile, may be a heavy betting underdog on Saturday night but remains incredibly confident – especially after having previously owned the IBO cruiserweight crown worn by the likes of Danny Green, Antonio Tarver, James Toney and Thomas ‘The Hitman’ Hearns.

The Brisbane southpaw is also on a run of three straight wins, while Nyika has also gone and won consecutive fights since the Opetaia loss, which also remains the only blemish on an otherwise perfect career.

Asked about eventually getting a crack at Benavidez himself, Masson told us: “That’s a life-changing fight, and why I’m putting absolutely everything into this next one.

Nyika v Masson | Saturday August 8 from 5pm AEST | One of the biggest nights in New Zealand boxing in recent years is coming to Auckland. Headlined by an official IBF Cruiserweight World Title Eliminator at Auckland’s Eventfinda Stadium on Saturday 8 August 2026. | Order Now with Main Event on Kayo Sports.

“Obviously, right now, all of my focus is on David Nykia. But I also understand there are so many opportunities that will come with winning.

“From the looks of things, Benavidez is going to fight WBC champion Noel Mikalean, which then means the winner of that fight will have three of the four straps.

“All of them but the IBF. So whoever then has the IBF belt … it puts you in a great position to eventually fight Benavidez for undisputed.”

Undeniably, the winner of Saturday’s fight will be right in line for what could eventually prove an undisputed blockbuster against Benavidez, who moved up in weight earlier this year to claim the WBO and WBA cruiserweight straps.

Opetaia, meanwhile, is currently suing the IBF over his stripping. His team have also long considered themselves in the box seat for a shot at Mikaelian, although questions now hang over that September bout in Las Vegas.