New Zealand's Joseph Parker Confronts Potential Ban Due to Positive Anti-Doping Test
The New Zealand heavyweight returned an adverse finding in a drugs test administered the same day he fought in 11th-round defeat to UK boxer Fabio Wardley.
The Fight and Its Consequences
The British boxer and Joseph Parker engaged in a pulsating bout staged in the UK capital on 25 October to decide the next WBO mandatory challenger against unified heavyweight titleholder Oleksandr Usyk.
Parker had positioned himself as the primary candidate to face the champion after putting together an impressive six-fight winning streak, but put his shot at the title on the line during the bout and experienced an 11th-round stoppage.
Adverse Finding Along with Potential Consequences
A standard screening conducted on Joseph Parker by the anti-doping organization the day he fought showed an adverse result and leaves Parker in a difficult position to demonstrate his cleanliness.
The boxer's representatives issued an announcement declaring: "The agency notified all relevant parties regarding Joseph Parker had a positive result subsequent to a doping test administered on October 25th. As the investigation continues, no additional comment are planned at this time."
Boxing Journey
Parker was crowned titleholder back in 2016 until he was defeated for his championship belt by unanimous decision to Anthony Joshua in Cardiff in 2018.
Parker has been an active participant across the United Kingdom after that, fighting eight times altogether in the UK and relocating to the Irish capital for fight camps with esteemed mentor former champion Lee in recent years.
Recent Developments
Coached by Andy Lee, the boxer recovered from his defeat in 2022 to British heavyweight Joyce to chalk up a string of victories that placed him front of the queue to challenge Oleksandr Usyk before he lost to the British fighter.
After Parker returned an adverse finding during the Wardley bout, reportedly involving cocaine, a probe into the findings has commenced.
- Joseph Parker tested positive for an illegal substance.
- The examination was administered through Vada on the fight day.
- Parker is confronting a possible suspension from the sport.
- Queensberry published a statement addressing the positive test.
- A review is currently ongoing into the matter.
