New Zealand's Joseph Parker Could Receive Imminent Ban Due to Positive Doping Test
Joseph Parker returned an adverse finding as part of a drugs test carried out on the day he fought in 11th-round defeat to UK boxer Fabio Wardley.
The Bout Plus the Implications
Fabio Wardley and Parker participated in a pulsating encounter staged in the UK capital last October to establish the next mandatory WBO contender against reigning heavyweight king Oleksandr Usyk.
The fighter had positioned himself as next in line to challenge Usyk following stringing together a remarkable six consecutive victories, however risked his shot at the title in jeopardy during the bout and experienced a stoppage in round eleven.
Positive Test and Possible Outcomes
An ordinary examination administered to the boxer by the anti-doping organization the day he fought returned positive and now leaves the veteran boxer in a difficult position to clear his name.
His promotion team issued a communique stating: "Vada informed all required parties regarding Joseph Parker returned an adverse finding following a drug screening carried out on October 25th. During the ongoing inquiry, no additional comment are planned currently."
Boxing Journey
Parker earned the title of titleholder six years ago prior to he surrendered his WBO belt through a points decision versus Anthony Joshua in Wales 24 months later.
Joseph Parker has been a frequent visitor in the UK after that, competing in eight bouts overall on UK territory and moving to Dublin for training camps alongside highly regarded trainer Andy Lee over the past few years.
Recent Developments
Under the tutelage of Lee, Parker recovered from the 2022 setback versus Joe Joyce to chalk up a string of victories positioning him as the top contender to face Usyk until he lost to Wardley.
Subsequent to the boxer produced a positive test during the Wardley bout, reportedly involving cocaine, a probe into the findings has commenced.
- The boxer failed a drug test for an illegal substance.
- The test took place through Vada the day of the bout.
- Parker now faces a possible suspension from the sport.
- His representatives released a comment addressing the adverse finding.
- A review has been in progress about the situation.
