Boxing: David Nyika left scrambling for opponent as Australian Blake Caparello fails drugs test

New Zealand cruiserweight boxer David Nyika Stands on the Skywalk up the Sky Tower with his opponent Blake Caparello to promote their upcoming fight in September. Photo / NZ Herald

David Nyika’s Australian opponent Blake Caparello has failed a drugs test – 10 days out from their headline cruiserweight fight in Auckland – to leave organisers scrambling for a replacement.

Experienced former world title challenger Caparello (32-4-1) failed a VADA test for elevated testosterone and, despite his plans to challenge the tests, will be barred from competing against the unbeaten Nyika.

After months of promotion that included the pair facing off on the Sky Tower and ticket sales, Duco Events are now forced to find a late replacement to fight Nyika, the Olympic bronze medallist, as the headline act for the September 14 card at Auckland’s Viaduct Events Centre.

Former All Black Liam Messam, New Zealand heavyweights Uila Mau’u, the Commonwealth Games bronze medallist and 7-0 prospect, and Hemi Ahio and budding Australian Alex Leapai Junior are also set to feature on the card but the event is billed as the start of Nyika’s road to the cruiserweight world title, with Caparello designed to be the toughest test of his nine fight pro career.

Caparello is refuting the VADA testing results, maintaining he has never used performance-enhancing drugs and remains committed to the integrity of his sport.

In a statement the 38-year-old said: “I have had independent doctors test me, both blood and urine and all of my results show that I am completely clean. I have never taken performance-enhancing drugs, and I never will.”

Caparello said he requested drug testing to be included in the contract negotiations for the Nyika fight.

Testing is not mandatory, as Nyika is not ranked in the top 15 of the World Boxing Council (WBC).

“I was not in the WBC top 15, nor was I defending a WBC belt so I had little obligation to take an out of contest VADA test however I had nothing to hide so I took the voluntary test.

“I intend to challenge VADA on all of these findings. Independent, highly qualified doctors have already gone on record stating that all my test results are within the required levels.”

Caparello said these allegations are deeply embarrassing for him, his team and his family.

“I have always honoured the rules of my sport. I will be contesting these findings and am very confident that my name will be cleared.”

Duco Events promoters David Higgins and Joseph Parker will announce a late replacement for Nyika on Thursday, with the event proceeding as planned.

“Higgins and Parker have secured a tough, credible and vastly experienced opponent who wants to take on Nyika at short notice,” Duco said.