Boxer Joseph Parker Could Receive Imminent Suspension Due to Positive Anti-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 Implications
Fabio Wardley along with the New Zealander participated in a pulsating bout staged in the UK capital last October to establish who would become next in line for the WBO against reigning heavyweight king Oleksandr Usyk.
The fighter had positioned himself as next in line to face Oleksandr Usyk subsequent to putting together an impressive six wins in a row, but placed his mandatory challenger status at stake in London and endured an 11th-round defeat.
Failed Examination and Potential Consequences
A routine test administered to Joseph Parker via the Voluntary Anti-Doping Agency the day he fought showed an adverse result and leaves the veteran boxer in a difficult position to prove his innocence.
The boxer's representatives released a statement which read: "Vada informed everyone involved about Parker had a positive result after a drug screening conducted on the fight day. As the investigation continues, no more comments are forthcoming at this time."
Boxing Journey
Parker became titleholder back in 2016 before he lost his championship belt via unanimous decision versus Anthony Joshua in Wales in 2018.
The fighter has been a regular competitor across the United Kingdom after that, having eight matches altogether on UK territory and moving to the Irish capital for training camps with esteemed mentor Andy Lee during this period.
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Under the tutelage of Lee, Parker bounced back from his 2022 loss against Joe Joyce to secure a string of victories that placed him front of the queue to meet the champion until he lost against Wardley.
After Parker's sample showed a failed test when he fought Wardley, allegedly for cocaine, an investigation about the test outcome has been started.
- Parker returned an adverse finding for a banned substance.
- The test was conducted through Vada on October 25th.
- The fighter is confronting disciplinary action from the sport.
- His representatives published an announcement confirming the failed examination.
- An investigation is now in progress about the situation.