Joseph Parker Faces Possible Suspension Following Failed Drugs Test
The New Zealand heavyweight produced a positive sample in a drugs test carried out the same day he faced 11th-round defeat to English fighter Ipswich-born Wardley.
The Bout Plus the Stakes
Wardley along with Parker were part of a pulsating contest in London on 25 October to decide the identity of the WBO mandatory challenger against unified heavyweight titleholder Ukrainian champion Usyk.
Joseph Parker had positioned himself as the primary candidate to face Usyk following compiling an impressive six-fight winning streak, however put his mandatory challenger status on the line during the bout and experienced an 11th-round defeat.
Adverse Finding Plus Potential Consequences
A standard screening administered to Joseph Parker through Vada on the day of the bout showed an adverse result and now leaves the veteran boxer facing a challenge to prove his innocence.
His promotion team issued a statement which read: "The agency informed all required parties about Parker had a positive result after an anti-doping test conducted on October 25th. As the investigation continues, no additional comment are forthcoming for now."
Professional History
Joseph Parker was crowned world champion six years ago prior to he lost his WBO belt via unanimous decision to British star Joshua in Cardiff in 2018.
Joseph Parker has been a frequent visitor on British soil from that point, competing in eight bouts in total on UK territory and moving to Dublin for preparation under respected coach former champion Lee during this period.
Latest Events
Coached by Andy Lee, Parker recovered from his 2022 loss against British heavyweight Joyce to achieve a string of victories which put him front of the queue to face Oleksandr Usyk before he suffered defeat to the British fighter.
Subsequent to the boxer produced an adverse finding on the day of the Wardley fight, reportedly for cocaine, an inquiry regarding the results has been started.
- Joseph Parker returned an adverse finding for a banned substance.
- The screening was administered via the anti-doping agency on October 25th.
- Parker is confronting a possible suspension from boxing.
- His representatives released a comment acknowledging the positive test.
- A review is now ongoing regarding the case.
