New Zealand's Joseph Parker Could Receive Potential Ban Due to Positive Drugs Test
Joseph Parker produced a positive sample as part of a doping test conducted the very day he fought in 11th-round defeat against British heavyweight Fabio Wardley.
The Fight Along with Its Consequences
The British boxer together with Joseph Parker were part of a pulsating encounter in London in late October to decide who would become next in line for the WBO facing unified heavyweight titleholder Ukrainian champion Usyk.
The fighter was previously next in line to meet Usyk after putting together an impressive six-fight winning streak, but put his mandatory challenger status at stake in the UK and suffered an 11th-round defeat.
Adverse Finding Plus Implications
A routine test given to the boxer via the Voluntary Anti-Doping Agency on the day of the bout came back positive and now leaves the 36-year-old with a battle to clear his name.
The boxer's representatives issued an announcement which read: "The anti-doping body notified all relevant parties about Parker returned an adverse finding following an anti-doping test administered on the fight day. As the investigation continues, no more comments are forthcoming at this time."
Boxing Journey
The New Zealand boxer became titleholder in 2016 prior to he was defeated for the WBO title through a points decision to Anthony Joshua at the Millennium Stadium two years later.
The fighter has been a regular competitor in the UK from that point, competing in eight bouts altogether in Britain and transferring to the Irish capital for preparation alongside highly regarded trainer Andy Lee over the past few years.
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Coached by Andy Lee, the boxer bounced back from the 2022 setback against Joe Joyce to secure several successes which put him front of the queue to face the champion until he lost to Wardley.
After Parker returned a positive test when he fought Wardley, reportedly involving cocaine, an inquiry about the test outcome has been started.
- Joseph Parker tested positive for an illegal substance.
- The screening was conducted by Vada the day of the bout.
- The fighter now faces a possible suspension from boxing.
- His representatives published an announcement confirming the failed examination.
- A formal inquiry is currently ongoing about the situation.
