Joseph Parker Faces Possible Suspension Following Positive Anti-Doping Test
The New Zealand heavyweight tested positive during a anti-doping examination conducted the same day he fought in 11th-round loss versus English fighter Fabio Wardley.
The Bout and Its Consequences
Fabio Wardley together with Joseph Parker participated in an intense contest held in London in late October to establish the next WBO mandatory challenger facing reigning heavyweight king Ukrainian champion Usyk.
Joseph Parker had been next in line to challenge Usyk subsequent to putting together a remarkable six consecutive victories, however risked his contender position in jeopardy in London and endured a stoppage in round eleven.
Adverse Finding Plus Potential Consequences
An ordinary examination conducted on Parker via the anti-doping organization the day of the match returned positive and now leaves the 36-year-old facing a challenge to demonstrate his cleanliness.
His promotion team released a communique which read: "Vada alerted all relevant parties that Joseph Parker returned an adverse finding following a drug screening administered on October 25th. While the matter is investigated, no additional comment are planned at this time."
Career Background
Joseph Parker was crowned world champion in 2016 before he was defeated for his WBO belt via unanimous decision versus Anthony Joshua at the Millennium Stadium in 2018.
Parker has been a regular competitor across the United Kingdom since then, having eight matches in total on UK territory and transferring to the Irish capital for fight camps alongside esteemed mentor former champion Lee over the past few years.
Current Situation
Coached by Andy Lee, Joseph Parker recovered from the 2022 setback to British heavyweight Joyce to chalk up a string of victories that placed him front of the queue to meet the champion before he lost to the British fighter.
After Parker returned an adverse finding during the Wardley bout, reportedly involving cocaine, an inquiry regarding the results has been started.
- The boxer tested positive for a banned substance.
- The screening was conducted through Vada on the fight day.
- Parker now faces a possible suspension from boxing.
- Queensberry published a comment addressing the failed examination.
- A review has been underway into the matter.
