New Zealand boxer, David Nyika escaped being bitten on the ear by Moroccan opponent, Youness Baalla during his debut heavyweight clash at the Tokyo Olympics on Tuesday.
Nyika did not face much trouble on his way, as he cruised to a 5-0 victory against Baalla at the Kokugikan Arena.
The two-time Commonwealth Games gold medalist had constantly troubled the Moroccan with his pinpoint jabs –having won the first two rounds with ease.
The 22-year-old Baalla lost his cool and attempted to bite his opponent’s ear during a hold in round three but a shocked Nyika managed to pull out in time.
While the fight continued, Nyika was surprised that the referee had missed the incident which would have called for a disqualification.
“Did you see that? I don’t think the ref saw it. She was the closest one,” Nyika, 25, said, adding that his opponent probably tasted a lot of sweat.
“He didn’t get a full mouthful. Luckily he had his mouthguard in and I was a bit sweaty. I don’t remember what I said to him but I gave him a little bit of a cheek.
“I have been bitten once on the chest before at the Gold Coast Commonwealth Games. But c’mon man this is the Olympics,” he said.
The spokesperson for the Moroccan contingent in Tokyo did not respond to an email requesting comment.
Nyika is one of New Zealand’s flag bearers at the Games opening ceremony. His registered a 5-0 win ove Baalla means he has booke a quarter-final spot against Uladzislau Smiahlikau.
