Joseph Parker Confronts Potential Suspension After Failed Doping Test
The New Zealand heavyweight returned an adverse finding as part of a anti-doping examination carried out the same day he fought in 11th-round stoppage against English fighter Fabio Wardley.
The Bout Along with Its Stakes
The British boxer together with the New Zealander were part of a thrilling contest held in London in late October to determine the identity of the WBO mandatory challenger facing undisputed world heavyweight champion Oleksandr Usyk.
The fighter had positioned himself as the leading contender to meet Oleksandr Usyk after compiling a remarkable six-fight winning streak, however risked his contender position in jeopardy during the bout and endured an 11th-round defeat.
Positive Test Along with Possible Outcomes
A standard screening administered to Joseph Parker by the Voluntary Anti-Doping Agency the day he fought returned positive which leaves the veteran boxer facing a challenge to demonstrate his cleanliness.
The boxer's representatives released a communique declaring: "The anti-doping body notified all required parties regarding Joseph Parker tested positive following a drug screening administered on the 25th October. As the investigation continues, no more comments are planned currently."
Boxing Journey
The New Zealand boxer earned the title of heavyweight champion back in 2016 until he lost his championship belt by unanimous decision versus Anthony Joshua in Cardiff 24 months later.
Joseph Parker became a regular competitor across the United Kingdom since then, competing in eight bouts overall on UK territory and relocating to Ireland for training camps alongside esteemed mentor Andy Lee over the past few years.
Recent Developments
Coached by Andy Lee, Parker recovered from his 2022 loss to Joe Joyce to achieve multiple wins positioning him front of the queue to challenge Oleksandr Usyk prior to he lost to Wardley.
After Parker returned a failed test during the Wardley bout, reportedly for cocaine, a probe about the test outcome has been started.
- The boxer tested positive for a prohibited substance.
- The test was conducted by Vada on October 25th.
- Joseph Parker could receive a possible suspension from boxing.
- His promotional team published a comment addressing the failed examination.
- An investigation has been ongoing into the matter.
