David Nyika’s next opponent in his quest for the world cruiserweight title has been announced as Australian Blake Caparello.David Nyika’s next opponent in his quest for the world cruiserweight title has been announced as Australian Blake Caparello. Nyika, who is undefeated in nine professional fights, will take on Caparello on September 14 at the Viaduct Events Centre in Auckland. The 28-year-old Nyika is already ranked 14th by the IBF, and a win would put him on the doorstep of the top 10. Caparello, 37, is an experienced and durable fighter, but will likely struggle against Nyika’s skills and reach. The Australian has defeated several New Zealanders, including Robert Berridge, Daniel MacKinnon, Reece Papuni, and Jordan Tai. Nyika’s co-promoter, former world heavyweight champion Joseph Parker, said the fight reminded him of when he took on former heavyweight fighter Frans Botha in his sixth fight. “People were like, ‘This guy’s been in the ring with Tyson and Holyfield — Baby Joseph is going to be destroyed! But if you’re good enough and have enough experience — and David Nyika is definitely good enough — to take on Blake Caparello,” Parker said.
David Nyika’s next opponent in his bid to capture the world cruiserweight title is Australian Blake Caparello.
Kiwi Nyika, who is undefeated in nine professional fights, takes on Caparello on September 14 at the Viaduct Events Centre in Auckland.
Nyika, a former Olympic bronze medalist, recently joined forces with promoters David Higgins and former world heavyweight champion Joseph Parker to take his career to the next level.
Caparello (32-4-1) has defeated several New Zealanders including Robert Berridge, Daniel MacKinnon, Reece Papuni and Jordan Tai.
Higgins and Co. promised that they wouldn’t let Nyika fight a wimp after joining forces, and they’ve stuck to their word. Caparello, a 37-year-old southpaw, is an experienced and durable fighter, but will likely struggle against Nyika’s skills and reach.
“David will have to prove that he is a step above those who have walked this path before him,” said Higgins.
“Boxing fans had a big fan base for guys like Robbie ‘The Butcher’ Berridge, Dan MacKinnon and Reece Papanui and those guys ended up being totally outclassed.
“Blake Caparello is operating on a whole other level. He took on one of the most feared fighters of a generation, Sergey Kovalev, and put him on his backside in the opening round.
“Three months later, Kovalev was in the ring with Bernard Hopkins – and not long after that he fought eleven rounds with Canelo Alvarez.
Nyika said the challenge did not faze him.
“No disrespect to the Kiwi boys who took on Caparello and got beaten,” he said.
“They’re all great fighters in their own way – but none of them are me. For me, Blake Caparello is just another step on the road to a world title. He’s in my way – but not for long.”
Caparello said: “Nyika is untested as a professional, he hasn’t gone past five rounds. I’ve played 10 and 12 rounds more than a dozen times against the best players in the world. I’ve headlined shows on ESPN and HBO in America. Let’s see what he can do when the going gets tough.”
Nyika’s co-promoter Parker said the fight reminded him of when he took on former heavyweight fighter Frans Botha in his sixth fight.
“People were like, ‘This guy’s been in the ring with Tyson and Holyfield — Baby Joseph is going to be destroyed! But if you’re good enough and have enough experience — and David Nyika is definitely good enough — to take on Blake Caparello,” Parker said.
The 28-year-old Nyika is already ranked 14th by the IBF, but a win would put her on the doorstep of the top 10.
