New Zealand's Joseph Parker Could Receive Imminent Suspension Following Positive Anti-Doping Test
Joseph Parker produced a positive sample as part of a drugs test carried out on the day of his 11th-round loss to UK boxer Fabio Wardley.
The Fight Plus the Consequences
Wardley along with the New Zealander engaged in a thrilling bout staged in the UK capital on 25 October to establish who would become WBO mandatory challenger facing unified heavyweight titleholder Oleksandr Usyk.
Joseph Parker had positioned himself as next in line to face Oleksandr Usyk subsequent to putting together a notable six consecutive victories, but put his mandatory challenger status at stake in London and endured an 11th-round stoppage.
Failed Examination Along with Implications
A standard screening administered to Joseph Parker by the anti-doping organization the day of the match came back positive and now leaves the 36-year-old in a difficult position to demonstrate his cleanliness.
Parker's promotional company published an announcement declaring: "The agency informed all relevant parties that Joseph Parker had a positive result following a doping test conducted on the 25th October. During the ongoing inquiry, no further statements will be made currently."
Career Background
Parker became heavyweight champion back in 2016 until he was defeated for the WBO title via unanimous decision versus Anthony Joshua in Wales two years later.
Parker remained a regular competitor in the UK since then, fighting eight times altogether on UK territory and moving to the Irish capital for preparation with highly regarded trainer former champion Lee in recent years.
Current Situation
Under the tutelage of Lee, Parker recovered from his 2022 loss to British heavyweight Joyce to secure several successes positioning him as the top contender to meet Usyk until he was defeated to the British fighter.
Following Parker returned an adverse finding on the day of the Wardley fight, allegedly for cocaine, an inquiry about the test outcome has been started.
- The boxer failed a drug test for a prohibited substance.
- The screening took place through Vada on October 25th.
- Joseph Parker could receive a potential ban from the sport.
- His representatives has issued a comment addressing the positive test.
- An investigation is currently ongoing into the matter.
