Boxer Joseph Parker Faces Possible Suspension Following Positive Doping Test
The New Zealand heavyweight tested positive in a drugs test carried out on the day he faced 11th-round defeat to English fighter Fabio Wardley.
The Bout Plus the Consequences
Wardley and the New Zealander were part of a thrilling contest staged in the UK capital in late October to decide the next WBO mandatory challenger to undisputed world heavyweight champion Ukrainian champion Usyk.
Parker was previously the leading contender to face Oleksandr Usyk following putting together an impressive six-fight winning streak, but put his contender position in jeopardy in the UK and suffered an 11th-round stoppage.
Adverse Finding Along with Possible Outcomes
A routine test administered to Joseph Parker via the Voluntary Anti-Doping Agency on the day of the bout returned positive and now leaves Parker in a difficult position to demonstrate his cleanliness.
The boxer's representatives released an announcement declaring: "Vada notified all relevant parties regarding Joseph Parker had a positive result following a drug screening carried out on the 25th October. During the ongoing inquiry, no more comments are planned currently."
Career Background
Joseph Parker was crowned titleholder six years ago prior to he was defeated for his WBO belt by unanimous decision to Anthony Joshua in Cardiff two years later.
Joseph Parker became an active participant across the United Kingdom after that, having eight matches overall on UK territory and relocating to the Irish capital for training camps with respected coach former champion Lee over the past few years.
Current Situation
Coached by Andy Lee, the boxer recovered from his defeat in 2022 to Joe Joyce to secure multiple wins positioning him as the top contender to challenge the champion until he was defeated to the British fighter.
Following Parker's sample showed an adverse finding on the day of the Wardley fight, reportedly involving cocaine, an investigation into the findings is underway.
- Parker returned an adverse finding for an illegal substance.
- The test took place by Vada on October 25th.
- Joseph Parker could receive a potential ban from boxing.
- His promotional team published a comment acknowledging the adverse finding.
- An investigation is currently ongoing into the matter.
