New Zealand's Joseph Parker Confronts Imminent Suspension Following Positive Drugs Test
Joseph Parker returned an adverse finding as part of a doping test administered the very day of his 11th-round defeat versus English fighter Fabio Wardley.
The Bout and Its Stakes
Wardley together with Joseph Parker were part of a thrilling bout staged in the UK capital in late October to establish who would become next in line for the WBO facing unified heavyweight titleholder Oleksandr Usyk.
Parker had been next in line to challenge Oleksandr Usyk after putting together an impressive six wins in a row, however put his shot at the title at stake in London and endured an 11th-round defeat.
Failed Examination and Implications
A standard screening administered to Joseph Parker via the anti-doping organization on the day of the bout returned positive which leaves the veteran boxer facing a challenge to clear his name.
His promotion team issued a statement which read: "The anti-doping body notified everyone involved regarding Joseph Parker had a positive result subsequent to an anti-doping test administered on October 25th. As the investigation continues, no more comments will be made currently."
Boxing Journey
Joseph Parker was crowned world champion back in 2016 before he lost his WBO belt via unanimous decision against Anthony Joshua in Cardiff 24 months later.
Joseph Parker became a regular competitor on British soil from that point, fighting eight times overall on UK territory and relocating to Dublin for fight camps with respected coach Andy Lee in recent years.
Recent Developments
Under the tutelage of Lee, the boxer recovered from the 2022 setback versus Joe Joyce to achieve several successes which put him at the front of the line to challenge the champion before he was defeated to the British fighter.
After Parker returned an adverse finding during the Wardley bout, allegedly for cocaine, an investigation about the test outcome is underway.
- Parker tested positive for a prohibited substance.
- The screening was administered via the anti-doping agency on the fight day.
- The fighter now faces a potential ban from boxing.
- His promotional team published an announcement addressing the adverse finding.
- A formal inquiry has been underway into the matter.
