Joseph Parker Could Receive Imminent Suspension Due to Positive Drugs Test
The New Zealand heavyweight produced a positive sample as part of a drugs test carried out the very day of his 11th-round stoppage versus British heavyweight Fabio Wardley.
The Bout and Its Implications
Wardley along with the New Zealander participated in a thrilling bout held in London on 25 October to establish who would become WBO mandatory challenger to undisputed world heavyweight champion Oleksandr Usyk.
Joseph Parker had been next in line to challenge Usyk subsequent to compiling a remarkable six consecutive victories, however risked his shot at the title in jeopardy in London and experienced an 11th-round defeat.
Positive Test and Possible Outcomes
An ordinary examination given to Joseph Parker by the Voluntary Anti-Doping Agency on the day of the bout returned positive and leaves the veteran boxer in a difficult position to clear his name.
Parker's promotional company issued a statement declaring: "Vada alerted all relevant parties about Parker tested positive following a doping test administered on the fight day. During the ongoing inquiry, no additional comment are planned for now."
Professional History
The New Zealand boxer earned the title of heavyweight champion in 2016 prior to he surrendered his championship belt through a points decision against Anthony Joshua in Wales 24 months later.
The fighter has been an active participant on British soil after that, competing in eight bouts overall on UK territory and transferring to Ireland for training camps under highly regarded trainer Andy Lee over the past few years.
Recent Developments
Under the tutelage of Lee, the boxer bounced back from his defeat in 2022 against British heavyweight Joyce to achieve multiple wins that placed him front of the queue to meet Usyk until he suffered defeat against Wardley.
Subsequent to Parker returned a failed test on the day of the Wardley fight, allegedly for cocaine, an investigation into the findings is underway.
- The boxer returned an adverse finding for an illegal substance.
- The screening was administered by Vada on October 25th.
- Parker could receive a possible suspension from the sport.
- His representatives published a statement addressing the failed examination.
- A review is currently underway into the matter.
