Boxer Joseph Parker Confronts Possible Suspension After Failed Anti-Doping Test
Joseph Parker returned an adverse finding in a anti-doping examination conducted the same day he fought in 11th-round loss versus British heavyweight Fabio Wardley.
The Match and Its Stakes
Wardley together with the New Zealander were part of an intense contest in London in late October to determine who would become WBO mandatory challenger to unified heavyweight titleholder Oleksandr Usyk.
Parker had been next in line to face Usyk subsequent to stringing together a remarkable six-fight winning streak, but placed his shot at the title in jeopardy during the bout and experienced an 11th-round stoppage.
Positive Test Plus Possible Outcomes
An ordinary examination administered to Joseph Parker through the anti-doping organization on the day of the bout came back positive and leaves the 36-year-old in a difficult position to prove his innocence.
His promotion team published a statement declaring: "Vada alerted everyone involved regarding Joseph Parker had a positive result after a doping test conducted on the 25th October. As the investigation continues, no further statements will be made currently."
Professional History
The New Zealand boxer was crowned heavyweight champion six years ago prior to he was defeated for his championship belt via unanimous decision to British star Joshua at the Millennium Stadium in 2018.
The fighter has been an active participant in the UK from that point, fighting eight times overall on UK territory and relocating to Dublin for training camps under highly regarded trainer former champion Lee during this period.
Latest Events
Under the tutelage of Lee, Joseph Parker bounced back from his 2022 loss against Joe Joyce to secure a string of victories which put him as the top contender to challenge Usyk before he suffered defeat against Wardley.
Subsequent to Parker's sample showed an adverse finding when he fought Wardley, reportedly for cocaine, a probe about the test outcome is underway.
- Joseph Parker failed a drug test for an illegal substance.
- The screening was administered through Vada the day of the bout.
- Joseph Parker is confronting a possible suspension from the sport.
- His representatives published a statement acknowledging the adverse finding.
- An investigation is now ongoing into the matter.
