Joseph Parker Could Receive Potential Suspension Due to Failed Anti-Doping Test
Joseph Parker produced a positive sample as part of a drugs test carried out the very day he faced 11th-round stoppage to UK boxer Fabio Wardley.
The Match Plus the Consequences
Fabio Wardley together with Joseph Parker engaged in a thrilling bout in London in late October to decide the identity of the mandatory WBO contender against unified heavyweight titleholder Ukrainian champion Usyk.
The fighter was previously the primary candidate to face Usyk subsequent to putting together a remarkable six consecutive victories, but put his mandatory challenger status at stake in London and suffered a stoppage in round eleven.
Adverse Finding and Potential Consequences
A standard screening given to the boxer by the Voluntary Anti-Doping Agency on the day of the bout came back positive which leaves the veteran boxer with a battle to prove his innocence.
Parker's promotional company published a statement stating: "The agency informed everyone involved about Parker had a positive result subsequent to a drug screening administered on the 25th October. During the ongoing inquiry, no more comments will be made for now."
Career Background
The New Zealand boxer earned the title of titleholder back in 2016 until he was defeated for his championship belt by unanimous decision against Anthony Joshua in Wales in 2018.
Parker remained an active participant in the UK after that, competing in eight bouts in total in the UK and relocating to the Irish capital for fight camps under esteemed mentor former champion Lee over the past few years.
Latest Events
Coached by Andy Lee, Joseph Parker bounced back from his 2022 loss to British heavyweight Joyce to secure a string of victories positioning him as the top contender to challenge Oleksandr Usyk before he suffered defeat to the British fighter.
Following Parker returned an adverse finding on the day of the Wardley fight, allegedly for cocaine, an inquiry regarding the results is underway.
- Parker failed a drug test for an illegal substance.
- The test took place by Vada on the fight day.
- The fighter is confronting a possible suspension from boxing.
- His promotional team has issued an announcement confirming the adverse finding.
- An investigation has been in progress regarding the case.
