Boxer Joseph Parker Could Receive Imminent Ban Following Positive Doping Test
The New Zealand heavyweight returned an adverse finding during a anti-doping examination conducted the same day he fought in 11th-round defeat versus English fighter Fabio Wardley.
The Bout Along with Its Stakes
The British boxer and Joseph Parker were part of a thrilling bout held in London last October to decide the identity of the mandatory WBO contender facing undisputed world heavyweight champion Oleksandr Usyk.
Joseph Parker had positioned himself as next in line to face the champion following putting together a notable six wins in a row, however put his mandatory challenger status at stake in the UK and suffered a stoppage in round eleven.
Adverse Finding Plus Potential Consequences
An ordinary examination given to Joseph Parker via the Voluntary Anti-Doping Agency the day of the match showed an adverse result and leaves Parker with a battle to clear his name.
His promotion team published an announcement declaring: "Vada informed everyone involved about Parker tested positive subsequent to a doping test carried out on October 25th. While the matter is investigated, no more comments are forthcoming at this time."
Professional History
Parker became heavyweight champion six years ago before he lost the WBO title via unanimous decision versus British star Joshua in Cardiff in 2018.
Parker remained a regular competitor in the UK from that point, having eight matches overall in Britain and transferring to Ireland for training camps with highly regarded trainer Andy Lee during this period.
Recent Developments
Coached by Andy Lee, Joseph Parker recovered from his defeat in 2022 to Joe Joyce to chalk up multiple wins positioning him at the front of the line to face the champion until he was defeated to Wardley.
Following the boxer produced an adverse finding during the Wardley bout, reportedly for cocaine, an inquiry about the test outcome has commenced.
- Parker returned an adverse finding for an illegal substance.
- The examination was conducted by Vada on October 25th.
- Parker could receive disciplinary action from competition.
- His representatives has issued a comment acknowledging the adverse finding.
- A review has been ongoing about the situation.
