Boxer Joseph Parker Faces Possible Suspension After Positive Doping Test
The New Zealand heavyweight returned an adverse finding in a drugs test carried out the same day of his 11th-round defeat to British heavyweight Ipswich-born Wardley.
The Match Plus the Stakes
Fabio Wardley along with Parker were part of a pulsating encounter staged in the UK capital last October to establish who would become mandatory WBO contender facing undisputed world heavyweight champion Oleksandr Usyk.
Parker had positioned himself as the primary candidate to face the champion after stringing together a notable six-fight winning streak, yet put his contender position at stake in London and endured a stoppage in round eleven.
Adverse Finding Plus Potential Consequences
A routine test given to the boxer via the anti-doping organization the day he fought came back positive and leaves Parker facing a challenge to clear his name.
His promotion team published a communique declaring: "The anti-doping body notified all required parties regarding Joseph Parker tested positive subsequent to a doping test conducted on October 25th. While the matter is investigated, no further statements are forthcoming for now."
Boxing Journey
Parker became heavyweight champion in 2016 until he was defeated for the WBO title via unanimous decision to Anthony Joshua in Wales 24 months later.
Parker became an active participant on British soil since then, fighting eight times overall in Britain and relocating to Ireland for training camps under esteemed mentor former champion Lee in recent years.
Current Situation
Coached by Andy Lee, Parker recovered from the 2022 setback to Joe Joyce to chalk up several successes positioning him front of the queue to face Oleksandr Usyk until he lost against Wardley.
Subsequent to Parker returned an adverse finding when he fought Wardley, reportedly involving cocaine, an investigation into the findings has been started.
- Parker tested positive for an illegal substance.
- The screening took place by Vada on the fight day.
- The fighter now faces a potential ban from competition.
- His representatives has issued a statement addressing the adverse finding.
- An investigation is currently underway into the matter.
