Joseph Parker Confronts Potential Suspension Due to Positive Doping Test
Joseph Parker tested positive as part of a anti-doping examination administered the very day he fought in 11th-round loss versus English fighter Ipswich-born Wardley.
The Match Along with Its Stakes
Fabio Wardley and Parker engaged in an intense bout in London on 25 October to determine the next mandatory WBO contender against reigning heavyweight king Oleksandr Usyk.
Parker had been the leading contender to challenge the champion after putting together a notable six consecutive victories, however risked his contender position in jeopardy in the UK and endured an 11th-round defeat.
Adverse Finding and Potential Consequences
A routine test given to the boxer by Vada the day of the match came back positive and now leaves Parker in a difficult position to clear his name.
Parker's promotional company published a statement declaring: "The agency notified everyone involved that Joseph Parker tested positive after a drug screening carried out on the fight day. While the matter is investigated, no further statements will be made currently."
Boxing Journey
The New Zealand boxer became world champion six years ago until he surrendered his championship belt by unanimous decision to Anthony Joshua in Wales in 2018.
Parker has been an active participant on British soil since then, fighting eight times overall in Britain and relocating to the Irish capital for training 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 against Joe Joyce to achieve a string of victories which put him as the top contender to meet Usyk before he was defeated against Wardley.
After the boxer produced a failed test when he fought Wardley, reportedly for cocaine, an inquiry into the findings has commenced.
- Parker returned an adverse finding for a prohibited substance.
- The examination was conducted by Vada on October 25th.
- The fighter now faces a potential ban from the sport.
- Queensberry has issued a comment addressing the adverse finding.
- An investigation has been ongoing about the situation.