Joseph Parker Could Receive Imminent Ban After Positive Drugs Test
Joseph Parker tested positive in a doping test administered on the day he faced 11th-round loss versus British heavyweight Fabio Wardley.
The Bout and Its Stakes
Wardley together with Joseph Parker participated in an intense contest held in London last October to establish who would become mandatory WBO contender to reigning heavyweight king Ukrainian champion Usyk.
Joseph Parker was previously the primary candidate to challenge Usyk following compiling a remarkable six-fight winning streak, yet risked his mandatory challenger status in jeopardy during the bout and suffered a stoppage in round eleven.
Adverse Finding Plus Implications
An ordinary examination administered to Parker through the Voluntary Anti-Doping Agency the day of the match came back positive and now leaves the veteran boxer in a difficult position to clear his name.
The boxer's representatives released a communique stating: "The anti-doping body notified everyone involved about Parker returned an adverse finding after an anti-doping test carried out on the fight day. As the investigation continues, no more comments are planned currently."
Career Background
The New Zealand boxer became world champion back in 2016 before he lost his WBO belt through a points decision versus Anthony Joshua at the Millennium Stadium in 2018.
Joseph Parker remained a frequent visitor on British soil since then, competing in eight bouts in total in the UK and relocating to Dublin for preparation with respected coach Andy Lee during this period.
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Under the tutelage of Lee, the boxer overcame his 2022 loss versus Joe Joyce to secure multiple wins which put him front of the queue to challenge the champion prior to he was defeated to the British fighter.
Following Parker returned a positive test on the day of the Wardley fight, reportedly for cocaine, a probe into the findings has commenced.
- Parker tested positive for an illegal substance.
- The examination was administered through Vada on the fight day.
- Joseph Parker could receive a possible suspension from the sport.
- Queensberry has issued a statement acknowledging the positive test.
- A formal inquiry is currently underway into the matter.
