David Nyika’s next opponent as he attempts to launch his world cruiserweight title tilt in earnest is Australian Blake Caparello.
Kiwi Nyika, unbeaten over nine professional fights, will fight Caparello at Auckland's Viaduct Events Centre on September 14.
Nyika, a former Olympics bronze medallist, recently joined with promoters David Higgins and former world heavyweight champion Joseph Parker as he attempts to take his career to the next level.
Caparello (32-4-1) has beaten several New Zealanders, including Robert Berridge, Daniel MacKinnon, Reece Papuni and Jordan Tai.
Higgins and company promised they wouldn’t put Nyika in with a pushover after joining forces and they have stayed true to their word. Caparello, a 37-year-old southpaw, is an experienced and durable fighter but is likely to struggle with Nyika’s skills and reach.
“David will have to prove that he is a cut above those that have gone down this path before,” Higgins said.
“Boxing aficionados had huge wraps on guys like Robbie ‘The Butcher’ Berridge, Dan MacKinnon and Reece Papanui and those guys ended up being totally outclassed.
“Blake Caparello operates at an entirely different level. He took on one of the most feared fighters of a generation in Sergey Kovalev and sat him on his backside in the opening round.
“Three months later Kovalev was in the ring with Bernard Hopkins - and not long after that went 11 rounds with Canelo Alvarez.
Blake Caparello, left, during his fight win over Luke Sharp in Melbourne in 2015. (Source: Getty)
Nyika said he wasn’t fazed by the challenge.
“No disrespect to any of those Kiwi boys who took on Caparello and got beaten,” he said.
“They are all great fighters in their own right – but none of them are me. To me, Blake Caparello is just another step on the road to a world title. He’s standing in my way – but not for long.”
Caparello said: "Nyika is untested as a professional, he hasn't gone passed five rounds yet. I've been 10 and 12 rounds more than a dozen times against the world's best. I've headlined shows on ESPN and HBO in America. Let's see what he's got when the going gets tough.”
Nyika’s co-promoter Parker said the fight reminded of him when he took on former heavyweight contender Frans Botha in just his sixth fight.
“People were like ‘this guy has been in the ring with Tyson and Holyfield – Baby Joseph is going to get destroyed! But if you’re good enough and experienced enough – and David Nyika is most definitely good enough, to take on Blake Caparello,” Parker said.
Already ranked 14th by the IBF, 28-year-old Nyika will find himself knocking on the door of the top 10 with a victory.
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