(Article originaly featured in RNZ New Zealand)

The pair had both been booked on the undercard of the lightweight world championship fight between Australian star George Kambosos Jr and American Devin Haney in Melbourne on October 16.

Nyika and Ahio also fought on the undercard of the first Kambosos-Haney fight last year, won by the latter via an unanimous points decision.

New Zealand fight fans would be able to watch the event free, with TVNZ set to air their first live boxing since 2007.

Nyika was returning to the ring after a hand injury prevented him from going for a third straight Commonwealth Games gold medal in Birmingham in July.

Also a bronze medallist at last year's Tokyo Olympics, the 26-year-old cruiserweight had so far fashioned a 4-0 record as a professional.

"Everyone knows I am an incredibly proud Kiwi," Nyika said.

"Boxing can be a lonely sport so stepping into the ring knowing my family, friends and supporters back home will be watching is a huge boost."

Nyika had been based in Australia since linking up with new trainer, Noel Thornberry.

"Boxing has delivered some of the greatest moments in New Zealand sporting history," Thornberry said.

"David Tua blazed a trail for the likes of Joseph Parker, Shane Cameron, Maselino Masoe and now David Nyika is the next in line to continue that incredible legacy.

"David [Nyika] is already a national hero with his exploits at the Olympics and Commonwealth Games. He's a world class athlete - so it's great that all Kiwi sports fans have this amazing chance to see him in action."

Heavyweight prospect Ahio had established an unblemished 19-0 professional record with his genuine knockout power.

He was hoping to break into the world rankings with another big performance next month.

"There's a lot more to New Zealand heavyweight boxing than Joseph Parker," Ahio said.

"We've got some amazing fighters coming through. This is our chance to prove that."

The last time a boxing world title fight screened free-to-air in New Zealand was Tua's unsuccessful tilt against Lennox Lewis in November 2000.

The broadcast was viewed by a record 1.3 million people, which at that time translated into an incredible 82 per cent of all TV viewers.

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