Joseph Parker Confronts Potential Ban After Positive Doping Test
The New Zealand heavyweight tested positive during a anti-doping examination conducted on the day he faced 11th-round loss against British heavyweight Ipswich-born Wardley.
The Bout Plus the Stakes
Fabio Wardley and the New Zealander were part of an intense contest held in London last October to decide the identity of the WBO mandatory challenger against undisputed world heavyweight champion Ukrainian champion Usyk.
Parker was previously the primary candidate to challenge Usyk after putting together an impressive six consecutive victories, yet risked his mandatory challenger status in jeopardy in London and suffered a stoppage in round eleven.
Adverse Finding and Possible Outcomes
A routine test conducted on Parker by Vada the day he fought returned positive and leaves the 36-year-old in a difficult position to prove his innocence.
His promotion team issued a communique declaring: "Vada informed all relevant parties that Joseph Parker tested positive after a drug screening conducted on the 25th October. While the matter is investigated, no more comments are forthcoming currently."
Career Background
Joseph Parker earned the title of world champion six years ago until he was defeated for his championship belt by unanimous decision to Anthony Joshua at the Millennium Stadium in 2018.
Joseph Parker remained a regular competitor on British soil after that, having eight matches overall on UK territory and relocating to the Irish capital for training camps with highly regarded trainer Andy Lee in recent years.
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Coached by Andy Lee, the boxer overcame his defeat in 2022 against British heavyweight Joyce to achieve a string of victories positioning him front of the queue to meet Oleksandr Usyk before he lost to the British fighter.
After Parker returned a failed test during the Wardley bout, allegedly for cocaine, a probe into the findings has commenced.
- The boxer failed a drug test for a prohibited substance.
- The screening took place via the anti-doping agency on October 25th.
- The fighter is confronting disciplinary action from competition.
- Queensberry published an announcement confirming the positive test.
- A review is currently underway into the matter.
