New Zealand's Joseph Parker Faces Imminent Suspension Following Positive Drugs Test
Joseph Parker produced a positive sample in a doping test carried out on the day of his 11th-round defeat versus English fighter Fabio Wardley.
The Bout Along with Its Consequences
Wardley and Parker engaged in a thrilling encounter held in London last October to decide the next WBO mandatory challenger to unified heavyweight titleholder Oleksandr Usyk.
Joseph Parker had been the leading contender to face Usyk following stringing together an impressive six consecutive victories, but risked his contender position in jeopardy in the UK and suffered a stoppage in round eleven.
Positive Test Along with Implications
An ordinary examination conducted on Joseph Parker via Vada on the day of the bout returned positive and now leaves the 36-year-old with a battle to prove his innocence.
Parker's promotional company published a statement declaring: "The anti-doping body informed all relevant parties about Parker tested positive after an anti-doping test carried out on October 25th. While the matter is investigated, no more comments are forthcoming for now."
Career Background
The New Zealand boxer was crowned heavyweight champion in 2016 until he surrendered his WBO belt through a points decision versus British star Joshua at the Millennium Stadium 24 months later.
Parker became an active participant on British soil from that point, having eight matches overall in Britain and moving to the Irish capital for fight camps with highly regarded trainer Andy Lee in recent years.
Current Situation
Under the tutelage of Lee, the boxer bounced back from the 2022 setback to Joe Joyce to chalk up a string of victories positioning him at the front of the line to meet the champion until he suffered defeat to Wardley.
Following Parker's sample showed an adverse finding when he fought Wardley, reportedly for cocaine, an investigation into the findings has commenced.
- Joseph Parker tested positive for an illegal substance.
- The screening was administered via the anti-doping agency the day of the bout.
- Parker now faces a possible suspension from the sport.
- His representatives has issued a statement confirming the positive test.
- A review is now in progress into the matter.
