New Zealand's Joseph Parker Confronts Imminent Suspension Due to Positive Drugs Test
The New Zealand heavyweight returned an adverse finding during a doping test carried out on the day he fought in 11th-round loss against British heavyweight Ipswich-born Wardley.
The Fight and Its Implications
Fabio Wardley and Parker participated in an intense bout held in London in late October to decide the next WBO mandatory challenger facing reigning heavyweight king Oleksandr Usyk.
Parker was previously the primary candidate to face Oleksandr Usyk following putting together an impressive six wins in a row, but put his mandatory challenger status at stake in London and suffered an 11th-round defeat.
Adverse Finding Along with Implications
An ordinary examination conducted on Joseph Parker by the anti-doping organization the day of the match returned positive and now leaves Parker in a difficult position to demonstrate his cleanliness.
Parker's promotional company released a statement declaring: "The agency alerted everyone involved that Joseph Parker had a positive result subsequent to a drug screening conducted on October 25th. While the matter is investigated, no additional comment are forthcoming at this time."
Career Background
Parker became world champion in 2016 prior to he surrendered the WBO title through a points decision to Anthony Joshua at the Millennium Stadium two years later.
Joseph Parker became an active participant across the United Kingdom since then, having eight matches overall in the UK and transferring to Ireland for fight camps alongside respected coach former champion Lee over the past few years.
Recent Developments
Coached by Andy Lee, the boxer recovered from his defeat in 2022 against British heavyweight Joyce to secure several successes which put him front of the queue to face the champion until he lost against Wardley.
Following Parker's sample showed a failed test during the Wardley bout, allegedly for cocaine, a probe into the findings is underway.
- Joseph Parker tested positive for a prohibited substance.
- The examination took place by Vada on October 25th.
- Joseph Parker is confronting disciplinary action from competition.
- His representatives has issued a comment acknowledging the failed examination.
- A formal inquiry has been ongoing regarding the case.
