New Zealand's Joseph Parker Confronts Imminent Suspension Due to Failed Doping Test
Joseph Parker tested positive as part of a anti-doping examination administered on the day he faced 11th-round loss to UK boxer Fabio Wardley.
The Fight and Its Consequences
The British boxer together with Parker were part of an intense encounter held in London last October to establish who would become next in line for the WBO against undisputed world heavyweight champion Oleksandr Usyk.
Parker had been the primary candidate to face the champion after stringing together a remarkable six wins in a row, however risked his shot at the title on the line in the UK and endured an 11th-round stoppage.
Failed Examination Plus Possible Outcomes
An ordinary examination administered to the boxer by the Voluntary Anti-Doping Agency the day of the match came back positive and now leaves the veteran boxer in a difficult position to demonstrate his cleanliness.
His promotion team published a statement declaring: "Vada informed all relevant parties that Joseph Parker had a positive result after a drug screening carried out on October 25th. As the investigation continues, no more comments will be made at this time."
Career Background
The New Zealand boxer earned the title of world champion six years ago until he lost the WBO title by unanimous decision to British star Joshua at the Millennium Stadium in 2018.
Parker has been a frequent visitor in the UK since then, competing in eight bouts overall in Britain and moving to Ireland for fight camps with esteemed mentor Andy Lee over the past few years.
Current Situation
Guided by Lee, the boxer overcame his defeat in 2022 versus British heavyweight Joyce to achieve several successes which put him at the front of the line to challenge Oleksandr Usyk before he suffered defeat to Wardley.
Following Parker returned a positive test when he fought Wardley, reportedly for cocaine, an investigation regarding the results is underway.
- The boxer returned an adverse finding for a prohibited substance.
- The examination was conducted by Vada the day of the bout.
- The fighter is confronting disciplinary action from the sport.
- His representatives has issued an announcement confirming the adverse finding.
- A formal inquiry is currently in progress regarding the case.
