New Zealand cruiserweight prospect David Nyika is on the hunt for a brand new opponent
The Ring has confirmed that Australia’s Blake Caparello failed a drug take a look at administered by the Voluntary Anti-Doping Affiliation (VADA). He was as a result of face New Zealand’s Nyika (9-0, 8 knockouts) atop a Sept. 14 DAZN present at Viaduct Occasions Centre in Auckland.
That was earlier than Caparello (32-4-1, 15 KOs) examined constructive for an elevated stage of testosterone. The 38-year-old former title challenger has already vowed to clear his identify.
Caparello, who as soon as unsuccessfully challenged Sergiy Kovalev for the WBO mild heavyweight title in Atlantic Metropolis a decade in the past, is adamant he did nothing flawed.
“I’ve had impartial docs take a look at me, each blood and urine,” Caparello mentioned in a press release. “All of my outcomes present that I’m fully clear. I’ve by no means taken performance-enhancing medication, and I by no means will.
“I used to be not within the WBC high 15, nor was I defending a WBC belt, so I had little obligation to take an out-of-contest VADA take a look at. Nonetheless, I had nothing to cover, so I took the voluntary take a look at. I intend to problem VADA on all of those findings. Impartial, extremely certified docs have already gone on file stating that each one my take a look at outcomes are throughout the required ranges.
“I’ve at all times honored the principles of my sport. I will probably be contesting these findings and am very assured that my identify will probably be cleared.”
Whereas Caparello is out, promoters David Higgins and Joseph Parker are nonetheless assured the cardboard will go forward.
“Higgins and Parker have secured a tricky, credible and vastly skilled opponent who desires to tackle Nyika at brief discover,” Duco mentioned.
Nyika, 28, carried the flag for New Zealand on the Tokyo Olympics. Australia’s Noel Thornbury trains him out of the regional city of Gatton in Queensland.
It’s a chance missed for veteran Caparello, who was searching for one final go-around within the twilight of his profession.
Australian-based boxing journalist Anthony Cocks has been protecting the game for over 20 years for numerous print and on-line publications.
