New Zealand's Joseph Parker Confronts Possible Suspension Following Failed Drugs Test
The New Zealand heavyweight tested positive in a anti-doping examination administered on the day he faced 11th-round loss against British heavyweight Fabio Wardley.
The Bout Along with Its Stakes
Wardley together with Joseph Parker were part of a thrilling contest in London last October to decide who would become mandatory WBO contender against undisputed world heavyweight champion Oleksandr Usyk.
The fighter had been next in line to meet Usyk following compiling a remarkable six consecutive victories, however placed his mandatory challenger status in jeopardy during the bout and suffered an 11th-round defeat.
Adverse Finding Plus Potential Consequences
A standard screening given to Parker by the anti-doping organization the day he fought came back positive and now leaves Parker with a battle to prove his innocence.
Parker's promotional company issued a statement which read: "Vada alerted all relevant parties regarding Joseph Parker returned an adverse finding subsequent to a doping test administered on the 25th October. During the ongoing inquiry, no more comments are planned at this time."
Boxing Journey
Joseph Parker became heavyweight champion six years ago prior to he lost his WBO belt by unanimous decision against Anthony Joshua at the Millennium Stadium in 2018.
Parker remained a frequent visitor in the UK from that point, fighting eight times in total on UK territory and transferring to the Irish capital for preparation under esteemed mentor former champion Lee over the past few years.
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Coached by Andy Lee, the boxer overcame his defeat in 2022 to British heavyweight Joyce to chalk up a string of victories which put him as the top contender to face Usyk until he was defeated to the British fighter.
Following Parker returned a positive test when he fought Wardley, reportedly for cocaine, an investigation about the test outcome has commenced.
- Joseph Parker tested positive for an illegal substance.
- The screening was conducted by Vada the day of the bout.
- The fighter could receive a possible suspension from competition.
- His promotional team released an announcement acknowledging the failed examination.
- A formal inquiry is currently in progress regarding the case.
