New Zealand's Joseph Parker Confronts Possible Ban After Failed Doping Test
Joseph Parker tested positive in a drugs test carried out on the day of his 11th-round defeat to British heavyweight Fabio Wardley.
The Match Plus the Implications
Fabio Wardley along with Joseph Parker engaged in a pulsating encounter held in London in late October to decide the identity of the WBO mandatory challenger to undisputed world heavyweight champion Oleksandr Usyk.
Joseph Parker was previously next in line to face Oleksandr Usyk after compiling an impressive six-fight winning streak, but placed his mandatory challenger status in jeopardy during the bout and suffered an 11th-round stoppage.
Positive Test and Implications
A routine test given to the boxer by the Voluntary Anti-Doping Agency the day of the match returned positive and leaves Parker in a difficult position to prove his innocence.
The boxer's representatives released a communique which read: "Vada notified everyone involved that Joseph Parker had a positive result subsequent to a drug screening conducted on the fight day. While the matter is investigated, no more comments are planned currently."
Career Background
The New Zealand boxer became world champion six years ago prior to he surrendered his championship belt by unanimous decision to Anthony Joshua in Cardiff in 2018.
Parker remained a regular competitor in the UK from that point, having eight matches overall on UK territory and transferring to Ireland for preparation under esteemed mentor Andy Lee during this period.
Current Situation
Under the tutelage of Lee, Parker overcame his 2022 loss against British heavyweight Joyce to achieve a string of victories which put him at the front of the line to challenge Usyk until he was defeated to Wardley.
Following Parker's sample showed an adverse finding on the day of the Wardley fight, allegedly for cocaine, an investigation about the test outcome is underway.
- The boxer returned an adverse finding for an illegal substance.
- The test was administered via the anti-doping agency the day of the bout.
- Parker is confronting a possible suspension from competition.
- His representatives released an announcement confirming the positive test.
- A formal inquiry is now in progress about the situation.
