New Zealand's Joseph Parker Confronts Potential Suspension Following Failed Anti-Doping Test
The New Zealand heavyweight returned an adverse finding during a anti-doping examination administered the same day of his 11th-round defeat versus UK boxer Fabio Wardley.
The Bout Along with Its Implications
Fabio Wardley and the New Zealander engaged in a pulsating encounter in London last October to determine who would become mandatory WBO contender facing undisputed world heavyweight champion Ukrainian champion Usyk.
Joseph Parker had been next in line to meet Usyk following putting together an impressive six-fight winning streak, but placed his mandatory challenger status on the line during the bout and endured an 11th-round defeat.
Failed Examination Plus Implications
A standard screening given to Parker via Vada the day of the match showed an adverse result and now leaves Parker facing a challenge to demonstrate his cleanliness.
Parker's promotional company released a statement stating: "Vada alerted all required parties regarding Joseph Parker returned an adverse finding after a doping test conducted on October 25th. During the ongoing inquiry, no further statements are forthcoming for now."
Professional History
The New Zealand boxer was crowned world champion six years ago before he was defeated for his WBO belt through a points decision against Anthony Joshua in Cardiff 24 months later.
Parker has been a frequent visitor in the UK since then, fighting eight times in total on UK territory and moving to the Irish capital for fight camps alongside highly regarded trainer former champion Lee over the past few years.
Latest Events
Under the tutelage of Lee, Joseph Parker bounced back from the 2022 setback to British heavyweight Joyce to secure multiple wins which put him at the front of the line to challenge Oleksandr Usyk prior to he suffered defeat to Wardley.
After Parker returned a positive test on the day of the Wardley fight, allegedly for cocaine, a probe about the test outcome is underway.
- The boxer failed a drug test for a banned substance.
- The test took place by Vada on the fight day.
- Joseph Parker now faces a potential ban from boxing.
- His representatives published a statement acknowledging the positive test.
- An investigation is currently underway into the matter.
