Boxer Joseph Parker Could Receive Potential Suspension Due to Failed Doping Test
Joseph Parker produced a positive sample as part of a anti-doping examination administered the very day he faced 11th-round loss versus English fighter Fabio Wardley.
The Match and Its Implications
Fabio Wardley together with Joseph Parker were part of a thrilling contest held in London in late October to decide the identity of the next in line for the WBO to undisputed world heavyweight champion Oleksandr Usyk.
Joseph Parker had positioned himself as the leading contender to meet the champion following stringing together a notable six wins in a row, but placed his contender position in jeopardy in the UK and experienced an 11th-round stoppage.
Positive Test and Possible Outcomes
A routine test conducted on the boxer via the anti-doping organization on the day of the bout returned positive and leaves the 36-year-old with a battle to demonstrate his cleanliness.
His promotion team issued a statement stating: "The anti-doping body informed everyone involved about Parker tested positive following an anti-doping test administered on the fight day. As the investigation continues, no additional comment are forthcoming for now."
Career Background
The New Zealand boxer became heavyweight champion six years ago before he was defeated for his championship belt through a points decision to Anthony Joshua in Wales 24 months later.
The fighter remained a regular competitor on British soil since then, fighting eight times in total in Britain and relocating to Dublin for training camps with highly regarded trainer Andy Lee over the past few years.
Latest Events
Coached by Andy Lee, Joseph Parker bounced back from his 2022 loss against Joe Joyce to chalk up several successes positioning him as the top contender to face Oleksandr Usyk until he suffered defeat against Wardley.
Subsequent to the boxer produced a failed test on the day of the Wardley fight, reportedly for cocaine, a probe about the test outcome has been started.
- Parker failed a drug test for a prohibited substance.
- The screening was administered through Vada on October 25th.
- Parker now faces a potential ban from the sport.
- His promotional team has issued a comment acknowledging the adverse finding.
- A review is now in progress into the matter.
