New Zealand cruiserweight prospect David Nyika is looking for a new opponent
The Ring has confirmed that Australia’s Blake Caparello has failed a drug test administered by the Voluntary Anti-Doping Association (VADA). He was scheduled to face New Zealand’s Nyika (9-0, 8 knockouts) on top of a DAZN show on September 14 at the Viaduct Events Center in Auckland.
That was before Caparello (32-4-1, 15 KOs) tested positive for an elevated level of testosterone. The 38-year-old former title challenger has already vowed to clear his name.
Caparello, who unsuccessfully challenged Sergiy Kovalev for the WBO light heavyweight title in Atlantic City a decade ago, is adamant he did nothing wrong.
“I had independent doctors test me, both blood and urine,” Caparello said in a statement. “All my results show that I am completely clean. I have never taken performance enhancing drugs, and I never will.
“I was not in the WBC top-15, nor was I defending a WBC belt, so I had little obligation to take a VADA test outside of competition. However, I had nothing to hide, so I took the voluntary test. I intend to challenge VADA on all these findings. Independent, highly qualified doctors have already gone on record stating that all my test results are within the required levels.
“I have always respected the rules of my sport. I will challenge these findings and am very confident that my name will be cleared.”
While Caparello is out, promoters David Higgins and Joseph Parker are still confident the card will go ahead.
“Higgins and Parker have secured a tough, credible and very experienced opponent who will be looking to take on Nyika at short notice,” said Duco.
Nyika (28) carried the flag for New Zealand at the Tokyo Olympics. Australia’s Noel Thornbury trains from the regional town of Gatton in Queensland.
It’s a missed opportunity for the veteran Caparello, who in the twilight of his career was looking for one last turnaround.
Australian boxing journalist Anthony Cocks has covered the sport for over 20 years for various print and online publications.
