New Zealand's Joseph Parker Faces Imminent Suspension Due to Positive Anti-Doping Test
The New Zealand heavyweight produced a positive sample during a drugs test conducted the very day he faced 11th-round loss to British heavyweight Fabio Wardley.
The Match Plus the Consequences
The British boxer and Joseph Parker engaged in an intense contest held in London last October to determine the identity of the WBO mandatory challenger to undisputed world heavyweight champion Oleksandr Usyk.
Joseph Parker had positioned himself as the leading contender to challenge Usyk after compiling a remarkable six-fight winning streak, yet placed his shot at the title in jeopardy in London and endured an 11th-round defeat.
Failed Examination Along with Implications
An ordinary examination administered to Joseph Parker through the anti-doping organization the day he fought returned positive and leaves Parker facing a challenge to demonstrate his cleanliness.
His promotion team issued a statement declaring: "Vada informed everyone involved about Parker tested positive after a doping test administered on the fight day. During the ongoing inquiry, no more comments are planned at this time."
Professional History
Parker was crowned heavyweight champion in 2016 until he was defeated for the WBO title through a points decision to Anthony Joshua in Cardiff in 2018.
The fighter became a frequent visitor across the United Kingdom after that, competing in eight bouts altogether on UK territory and relocating to Dublin for fight camps with respected coach Andy Lee during this period.
Recent Developments
Coached by Andy Lee, Parker overcame his defeat in 2022 against Joe Joyce to achieve several successes positioning him as the top contender to meet Usyk prior to he suffered defeat against Wardley.
After the boxer produced a positive test when he fought Wardley, reportedly involving cocaine, an inquiry into the findings has commenced.
- The boxer returned an adverse finding for an illegal substance.
- The screening was administered by Vada on October 25th.
- Joseph Parker could receive a potential ban from competition.
- Queensberry published an announcement acknowledging the failed examination.
- A formal inquiry is now underway about the situation.
