David Nyika vs Floyd Masson – IBF Cruiserweight World Title Eliminator

David Nyika is one of New Zealand’s leading boxing talents, competing among the world’s top cruiserweights. The Olympic bronze medallist and two-time Commonwealth Games champion built a decorated amateur career representing New Zealand before transitioning to the professional ranks.

Known for his athleticism, movement and knockout power, the Waikato-born cruiserweight has quickly established himself on the international stage. Ranked No. 5 by the IBF, Nyika is now firmly in world title contention in what is shaping as a wide-open cruiserweight division.

With global ambitions and a growing reputation against international opposition, Nyika remains focused on becoming New Zealand’s next world boxing champion.

Born in Te Awamutu and now fighting under the Australian flag, Floyd Masson has built a reputation as one of the toughest cruiserweights in the division. The 34-year-old former IBO Cruiserweight World Champion and current IBF Pan Pacific Champion rose through New Zealand’s amateur ranks before relocating to Australia and turning professional.

Now ranked No. 6 by the IBF, Masson has emerged as a genuine world title contender in the cruiserweight division. His professional resume includes a win over John Parker, while his only defeats have come against top international contenders Ives Ngabu and Mateusz Masternak.

Sheilla Yama is one of the fastest-rising names in women’s boxing. Born in Papua New Guinea and fighting out of Hamilton, New Zealand, the undefeated super lightweight has quickly built a reputation for her aggressive style, toughness and finishing power.

Yama has climbed the international rankings at pace, capturing the IBF International Super Lightweight Title in 2026 with a dominant stoppage victory over previously undefeated Chinese contender Haini Mulataiaili. Her professional resume also includes impressive wins over Louise Creaven, Rishon Harris and Nailini Helu.

With an unbeaten record and growing international attention, Yama is emerging as one of the Pacific’s most exciting boxing prospects.

Manu Vatuvei is one of New Zealand’s most iconic sporting figures. The South Auckland-born powerhouse spent 13 seasons as a left winger for the Warriors (2004-17), becoming the club’s all-time leading try scorer with a club record 152 tries in 226 NRL games, including an NRL Grand Final appearance and representative honours for the Kiwis and Tonga.

Since retiring from league, Vatuvei has taken on a new challenge in the boxing ring —with a professional Boxing Record of 3 Fights | 3 Wins | 2 KOs.

But his greatest fight has been personal. After a public fall from grace — including a prison sentence served from 2022-23 — Vatuvei emerged with one mission: redemption through service to others. He coaches at BBM Motivation HQ, leading fitness classes for people battling obesity, self-doubt and mental health challenges alongside community advocate Dave Letele.