New Zealand's Joseph Parker Could Receive Potential Ban After Positive Anti-Doping Test
Joseph Parker returned an adverse finding in a doping test carried out the very day he faced 11th-round defeat versus English fighter Fabio Wardley.
The Fight Plus the Implications
Wardley and Joseph Parker participated in a thrilling encounter held in London on 25 October to decide the identity of the next in line for the WBO against reigning heavyweight king Oleksandr Usyk.
Joseph Parker had positioned himself as next in line to meet the champion following stringing together an impressive six consecutive victories, but placed his mandatory challenger status in jeopardy in the UK and experienced an 11th-round stoppage.
Failed Examination and Possible Outcomes
A standard screening given to Parker via the anti-doping organization the day he fought came back positive which leaves the 36-year-old facing a challenge to clear his name.
Parker's promotional company published a communique stating: "Vada notified all required parties that Joseph Parker tested positive subsequent to a drug screening conducted on the fight day. As the investigation continues, no further statements will be made currently."
Career Background
The New Zealand boxer earned the title of titleholder back in 2016 prior to he surrendered his championship belt via unanimous decision against British star Joshua in Wales two years later.
Joseph Parker has been a regular competitor across the United Kingdom since then, having eight matches in total on UK territory and moving to the Irish capital for fight camps with esteemed mentor former champion Lee over the past few years.
Recent Developments
Under the tutelage of Lee, Joseph Parker bounced back from his defeat in 2022 to British heavyweight Joyce to secure several successes positioning him front of the queue to face Oleksandr Usyk prior to he suffered defeat against Wardley.
Following Parker returned a positive test when he fought Wardley, reportedly for cocaine, an investigation into the findings is underway.
- Joseph Parker tested positive for an illegal substance.
- The screening was conducted through Vada on October 25th.
- Parker is confronting disciplinary action from boxing.
- His representatives has issued a comment confirming the adverse finding.
- An investigation has been in progress regarding the case.
