Joseph Parker Could Receive Possible Suspension Due to Failed Anti-Doping Test
The New Zealand heavyweight returned an adverse finding in a drugs test conducted the same day of his 11th-round loss against UK boxer Ipswich-born Wardley.
The Bout Plus the Stakes
Fabio Wardley and Parker engaged in an intense bout staged in the UK capital in late October to establish the next next in line for the WBO to unified heavyweight titleholder Ukrainian champion Usyk.
Joseph Parker had been the primary candidate to meet Oleksandr Usyk subsequent to compiling a remarkable six-fight winning streak, but put his shot at the title at stake in London and endured an 11th-round defeat.
Adverse Finding and Implications
A standard screening administered to the boxer through the anti-doping organization the day he fought returned positive and leaves the 36-year-old facing a challenge to prove his innocence.
Parker's promotional company issued an announcement stating: "The agency alerted all relevant parties regarding Joseph Parker returned an adverse finding following a drug screening administered on the 25th October. While the matter is investigated, no more comments are planned currently."
Professional History
Joseph Parker was crowned heavyweight champion in 2016 before he was defeated for his championship belt through a points decision versus Anthony Joshua at the Millennium Stadium in 2018.
The fighter remained an active participant on British soil after that, having eight matches overall in Britain and moving to Dublin for training camps alongside highly regarded trainer former champion Lee in recent years.
Current Situation
Under the tutelage of Lee, the boxer bounced back from the 2022 setback against Joe Joyce to achieve a string of victories which put him at the front of the line to challenge the champion prior to he suffered defeat to the British fighter.
After Parker's sample showed a failed test during the Wardley bout, reportedly involving cocaine, an inquiry about the test outcome has been started.
- The boxer tested positive for an illegal substance.
- The examination took place through Vada on the fight day.
- The fighter now faces a potential ban from the sport.
- His promotional team has issued a statement confirming the failed examination.
- A review is now ongoing about the situation.
