David Nyika's professional boxing career has taken him a long way from home.
Born in Hamilton, the two-time Commonwealth Games champion and Olympic bronze medallist is currently based in country Queensland, where he works as a part-time caretaker, as he prepares for his assault on the world cruiserweight division.
"It's very, very simple," he told AM. "I prefer the simple life.
"I've got my chooks, I've got my lawns that I mow, I look after apartments and I love the simple life, but coming home, I get to see my family, and spend time with people I care about and love.
"You come from green pastures, and now I'm running on red dirt and dodging brown snakes, which are the second-most venomous snake in the world. It's a nice change."
Queue the Rocky VI training montage of Sylvester Stalone running through kneedeep snow and lifting ox carts in ice-covered barns in middle-of-nowhere Soviet Union... except hot.
"I love the heat and I love the simplicity of life over there."
Since turning pro in 2021, Nyika has flown largely under the radar, compiling nine wins - eight by knockout - as he learns his craft. His last victory over German Michael Seitz came early on the undercard of the year's biggest fight - Tyson Fury v Aleksander Usyk for the unified world heavyweight crown.
His simple life may become a thing of the past, now he has signed a four-fight deal - co-promoted by Duco Events, Thornberry Promotions and, significantly, former heavyweight champion Joseph Parker - designed to launch him into title contention.
"It was always my dream to become a professional world champion, so having the support of Duco and Joseph Parker is really exciting," said Nyika. "He's been a mentor for so long and this is the start of a really awesome chapter.
"I honestly think the relationship won't really change at all. He's always been a mentor for me, someone I can ask all the dumb questions, but having an official role and knowing he will always be there...
"He's a superstar right now. I'm going through comments on social media and people all around the world just love him to bits, so to be attached to him and follow in his footsteps is really neat."
The first fight against an as-yet-unnamed opponent has been scheduled for September 14 at Auckland's Viaduct Events Centre, but Nyika hopes future events may take back even closer to his roots.
"I think we just got a text from the Hamilton City Council... they want to put on a show there and I'd love to fight in front of my hometown again," he told AM."That would be incredible."
Hamilton already has a boxing legacy, hosting several of Parker's early pro bouts, as well as the legendary 2009 David Tua v Shane Cameron showdown.
"I'd love to get to all the major cities and showcase my hard work."
Watch video for the full interview
