Joseph Parker Could Receive Imminent Ban Following Positive Doping Test
Joseph Parker tested positive in a drugs test conducted the same day he faced 11th-round defeat against UK boxer Fabio Wardley.
The Fight Along with Its Implications
Wardley together with the New Zealander participated in a pulsating bout staged in the UK capital on 25 October to determine who would become WBO mandatory challenger against unified heavyweight titleholder Oleksandr Usyk.
Joseph Parker had positioned himself as the primary candidate to challenge the champion following stringing together a notable six consecutive victories, but put his mandatory challenger status in jeopardy in the UK and endured a stoppage in round eleven.
Adverse Finding Along with Possible Outcomes
An ordinary examination administered to the boxer via Vada on the day of the bout showed an adverse result which leaves the 36-year-old with a battle to demonstrate his cleanliness.
Parker's promotional company published a communique declaring: "The agency notified all relevant parties regarding Joseph Parker tested positive following a drug screening conducted on October 25th. As the investigation continues, no further statements are planned for now."
Career Background
The New Zealand boxer was crowned world champion six years ago until he lost the WBO title through a points decision against Anthony Joshua in Wales two years later.
Parker remained an active participant on British soil after that, fighting eight times overall in the UK and moving to Ireland for training camps under highly regarded trainer former champion Lee over the past few years.
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Coached by Andy Lee, Parker recovered from the 2022 setback versus Joe Joyce to secure a string of victories positioning him front of the queue to challenge Usyk before he suffered defeat to the British fighter.
Subsequent to Parker's sample showed a positive test during the Wardley bout, reportedly involving cocaine, an inquiry into the findings is underway.
- Joseph Parker tested positive for a prohibited substance.
- The test was conducted via the anti-doping agency on the fight day.
- The fighter could receive a possible suspension from boxing.
- His representatives published an announcement addressing the failed examination.
- An investigation is now ongoing about the situation.
