Boxer Joseph Parker Faces Possible Suspension Following Positive Doping Test
The New Zealand heavyweight returned an adverse finding as part of a doping test administered the same day he faced 11th-round stoppage against British heavyweight Ipswich-born Wardley.
The Bout and Its Implications
Fabio Wardley along with the New Zealander engaged in an intense contest in London in late October to decide who would become WBO mandatory challenger against undisputed world heavyweight champion Oleksandr Usyk.
The fighter had been the primary candidate to meet the champion after stringing together a remarkable six wins in a row, but placed his mandatory challenger status in jeopardy in the UK and endured an 11th-round defeat.
Failed Examination Plus Possible Outcomes
A standard screening given to Joseph Parker by the Voluntary Anti-Doping Agency the day he fought returned positive and now leaves the 36-year-old with a battle to prove his innocence.
Parker's promotional company issued an announcement declaring: "Vada alerted everyone involved regarding Joseph Parker tested positive subsequent to a doping test conducted on the fight day. As the investigation continues, no additional comment will be made at this time."
Professional History
Parker became heavyweight champion six years ago before he was defeated for his championship belt via unanimous decision versus Anthony Joshua in Cardiff two years later.
The fighter remained a frequent visitor across the United Kingdom since then, fighting eight times overall in Britain and relocating to Dublin for training camps under esteemed mentor Andy Lee during this period.
Current Situation
Guided by Lee, Joseph Parker bounced back from his 2022 loss to British heavyweight Joyce to achieve a string of victories positioning him at the front of the line to meet Usyk until he was defeated to Wardley.
Subsequent to Parker's sample showed a failed test on the day of the Wardley fight, allegedly for cocaine, a probe about the test outcome has commenced.
- Parker returned an adverse finding for an illegal substance.
- The examination was conducted through Vada on October 25th.
- Joseph Parker is confronting a possible suspension from competition.
- His promotional team released a statement confirming the failed examination.
- An investigation has been ongoing into the matter.
