Two-time Commonwealth Games gold medallist David Nyika is promising to leave nothing to chance as he fights to qualify for his first Olympic Games.
The Hamilton boxer is preparing for the Asia-Oceania Tokyo 2020 Qualification tournament, where he’ll get a chance to secure an Olympic spot.
“I want to win the tournament but a semi-final finish or better would really help my case for selection for Tokyo 2020,” said Nyika.
“It’s gonna be really important to bring my A-game, I’m feeling good and I can’t wait.”
The tournament is scheduled to take place in Amman, Jordan from March 3rd to 11th.
It was originally set down to be held in China in mid-February but the Coronavirus forced a change of country and date.
“We were peaking for the other tournament so we just had to take our foot off the gas for a bit and basically start rebuilding to peak for the new dates.
“It’s a little hiccup but I’ve just rebooted and we’re back into the quality work now.”
A no excuses policy for the 24-year-old who says he’s been looking to the past as he works towards the future.
“I watched some old footage of myself at the 2014 Commonwealth Games and that kid was hungry and I actually look up to him, so I’m excited to hopefully represent the people of New Zealand again.”
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Eight other Kiwi boxers will also fight at the tournament as they too work towards Tokyo 2020.