Boxer Joseph Parker Could Receive Imminent Suspension Following Failed Anti-Doping Test
The New Zealand heavyweight produced a positive sample in a drugs test carried out the very day he fought in 11th-round defeat against UK boxer Fabio Wardley.
The Match and Its Implications
Fabio Wardley together with Joseph Parker engaged in a pulsating bout held in London last October to determine the identity of the next in line for the WBO to undisputed world heavyweight champion Oleksandr Usyk.
Joseph Parker was previously the leading contender to challenge the champion after putting together a notable six-fight winning streak, but placed his contender position at stake during the bout and endured an 11th-round stoppage.
Adverse Finding Plus Possible Outcomes
A standard screening conducted on the boxer by the anti-doping organization the day he fought returned positive and leaves the veteran boxer in a difficult position to prove his innocence.
His promotion team released a statement stating: "The anti-doping body alerted all required parties that Joseph Parker had a positive result subsequent to an anti-doping test carried out on October 25th. As the investigation continues, no additional comment are planned for now."
Boxing Journey
The New Zealand boxer earned the title of titleholder in 2016 until he lost the WBO title through a points decision against Anthony Joshua in Wales two years later.
Joseph Parker became an active participant in the UK after that, competing in eight bouts altogether in Britain and transferring to Ireland for training camps with highly regarded trainer Andy Lee over the past few years.
Recent Developments
Guided by Lee, Parker bounced back from his 2022 loss against British heavyweight Joyce to achieve several successes positioning him as the top contender to meet Oleksandr Usyk prior to he was defeated to Wardley.
Subsequent to Parker returned a positive test when he fought Wardley, allegedly for cocaine, an inquiry regarding the results is underway.
- Parker returned an adverse finding for an illegal substance.
- The test was administered by Vada the day of the bout.
- Joseph Parker is confronting a potential ban from the sport.
- Queensberry published an announcement acknowledging the adverse finding.
- A formal inquiry is now ongoing about the situation.
