Boxer Joseph Parker Could Receive Potential Suspension Due to Positive Anti-Doping Test
The New Zealand heavyweight returned an adverse finding in a doping test carried out the very day he faced 11th-round defeat against English fighter Ipswich-born Wardley.
The Match Along with Its Stakes
The British boxer together with the New Zealander were part of an intense bout in London on 25 October to determine who would become next in line for the WBO facing unified heavyweight titleholder Ukrainian champion Usyk.
The fighter was previously the primary candidate to meet the champion subsequent to putting together a remarkable six-fight winning streak, yet put his contender position in jeopardy during the bout and experienced an 11th-round defeat.
Positive Test Plus Possible Outcomes
An ordinary examination given to Joseph Parker through the Voluntary Anti-Doping Agency the day of the match returned positive and leaves the veteran boxer facing a challenge to demonstrate his cleanliness.
His promotion team released a communique stating: "Vada informed all required parties about Parker tested positive after a drug screening conducted on the 25th October. During the ongoing inquiry, no further statements are forthcoming currently."
Professional History
Joseph Parker earned the title of world champion back in 2016 until he was defeated for his WBO belt through a points decision against British star Joshua at the Millennium Stadium 24 months later.
Joseph Parker remained a regular competitor on British soil after that, fighting eight times in total in the UK and relocating to Dublin for fight camps alongside highly regarded trainer Andy Lee in recent years.
Current Situation
Guided by Lee, Joseph Parker bounced back from his 2022 loss against British heavyweight Joyce to secure a string of victories that placed him at the front of the line to challenge the champion prior to he was defeated against Wardley.
Following Parker returned an adverse finding on the day of the Wardley fight, allegedly for cocaine, a probe regarding the results is underway.
- Joseph Parker failed a drug test for an illegal substance.
- The examination was administered by Vada on the fight day.
- Joseph Parker is confronting a possible suspension from the sport.
- His representatives released a comment acknowledging the failed examination.
- A formal inquiry has been ongoing about the situation.
