Joseph Parker Faces Potential Suspension Due to Positive Anti-Doping Test
The New Zealand heavyweight produced a positive sample as part of a drugs test administered the same day he fought in 11th-round stoppage against English fighter Fabio Wardley.
The Fight Plus the Implications
Wardley together with Parker participated in a thrilling encounter held in London last October to establish the identity of the mandatory WBO contender to reigning heavyweight king Oleksandr Usyk.
The fighter had positioned himself as next in line to face Usyk after compiling an impressive six-fight winning streak, however placed his shot at the title at stake in the UK and experienced an 11th-round stoppage.
Positive Test and Potential Consequences
An ordinary examination given to Joseph Parker through the Voluntary Anti-Doping Agency the day he fought showed an adverse result and leaves the veteran boxer with a battle to demonstrate his cleanliness.
The boxer's representatives released a statement which read: "The anti-doping body notified all relevant parties about Parker tested positive after an anti-doping test conducted on the 25th October. During the ongoing inquiry, no more comments are forthcoming for now."
Career Background
The New Zealand boxer earned the title of world champion back in 2016 before he was defeated for the WBO title through a points decision versus Anthony Joshua at the Millennium Stadium two years later.
Parker remained a frequent visitor on British soil from that point, competing in eight bouts overall on UK territory and transferring to Dublin for training camps under respected coach former champion Lee in recent years.
Latest Events
Under the tutelage of Lee, Parker bounced back from his 2022 loss to Joe Joyce to secure a string of victories that placed him as the top contender to meet Usyk prior to he was defeated to the British fighter.
Following Parker's sample showed a positive test on the day of the Wardley fight, reportedly for cocaine, an investigation into the findings has been started.
- Joseph Parker returned an adverse finding for a banned substance.
- The examination took place via the anti-doping agency on October 25th.
- Joseph Parker is confronting a possible suspension from the sport.
- Queensberry released an announcement acknowledging the positive test.
- An investigation has been in progress regarding the case.
