Boxer Joseph Parker Faces Possible Suspension Following Failed Drugs Test
The New Zealand heavyweight returned an adverse finding in a anti-doping examination administered on the day he fought in 11th-round loss versus British heavyweight Fabio Wardley.
The Bout Plus the Implications
The British boxer together with Parker were part of an intense contest staged in the UK capital last October to decide the next mandatory WBO contender to undisputed world heavyweight champion Oleksandr Usyk.
The fighter had positioned himself as the primary candidate to face Oleksandr Usyk after putting together an impressive six wins in a row, but risked his contender position at stake in the UK and endured an 11th-round stoppage.
Positive Test Along with Possible Outcomes
An ordinary examination administered to the boxer via the Voluntary Anti-Doping Agency the day he fought came back positive which leaves Parker in a difficult position to prove his innocence.
His promotion team issued a statement stating: "The anti-doping body notified all required parties regarding Joseph Parker tested positive after a doping test carried out on the 25th October. While the matter is investigated, no further statements are forthcoming at this time."
Boxing Journey
Parker earned the title of world champion back in 2016 before he surrendered his championship belt by unanimous decision against British star Joshua in Wales 24 months later.
Parker became a frequent visitor in the UK after that, competing in eight bouts overall in Britain and moving to Dublin for fight camps with highly regarded trainer former champion Lee during this period.
Latest Events
Guided by Lee, Joseph Parker recovered from his 2022 loss to British heavyweight Joyce to achieve a string of victories positioning him as the top contender to challenge Usyk before he suffered defeat to the British fighter.
Subsequent to Parker returned a failed test when he fought Wardley, reportedly for cocaine, a probe regarding the results has commenced.
- The boxer returned an adverse finding for a prohibited substance.
- The test was administered through Vada on October 25th.
- Parker now faces disciplinary action from boxing.
- His promotional team released an announcement addressing the adverse finding.
- A review is now underway about the situation.