Rising Kiwi boxer Nyika's opponent pulled from upcoming bout due to failed drug test

Rising Kiwi boxer David Nyika's upcoming bout with Blake Caparello has been cancelled, after his Australian opponent failed a drug test.

The pair were set to lock horns at the Viaduct Events Centre on September 14. But due to the 38-year-old Victorian's reportedly elevated testosterone levels, the contest has been scrapped.

Nyika's new opponent is veteran American southpaw Tommy Karpency (30-8-1). The 38-year-old hasn't fought since September 2021, when he lost via second-round KO to Yunieksi Gonzalez.

According to a statement, Higgins and Parker have secured "a tough, credible, and vastly experienced opponent" for Nyika to take on at short notice.

Olympic Games bronze medallist and two time Commonwealth Games gold medallist Nyika is undefeated through nine professional fights, eight of those coming via knockout.

The card also features Kiwi heavyweight Hemi Ahio and former All Black turned boxer Liam Messam.