New Zealand's Joseph Parker Faces Imminent Ban After Positive Doping Test
Joseph Parker tested positive as part of a drugs test administered the very day of his 11th-round defeat against British heavyweight Fabio Wardley.
The Match Plus the Implications
Fabio Wardley together with Parker were part of a pulsating contest held in London on 25 October to determine the next WBO mandatory challenger against unified heavyweight titleholder Ukrainian champion Usyk.
The fighter had been the primary candidate to meet the champion after compiling an impressive six wins in a row, however put his contender position in jeopardy during the bout and suffered an 11th-round defeat.
Adverse Finding Plus Potential Consequences
An ordinary examination administered to the boxer by the Voluntary Anti-Doping Agency the day he fought returned positive and leaves Parker with a battle to demonstrate his cleanliness.
Parker's promotional company issued an announcement stating: "The agency notified everyone involved regarding Joseph Parker had a positive result following an anti-doping test conducted on October 25th. While the matter is investigated, no more comments are planned for now."
Boxing Journey
Joseph Parker was crowned titleholder back in 2016 before he lost the WBO title through a points decision against British star Joshua at the Millennium Stadium in 2018.
The fighter remained an active participant on British soil from that point, having eight matches overall in Britain and transferring to Dublin for fight camps with highly regarded trainer Andy Lee during this period.
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Guided by Lee, Joseph Parker bounced back from the 2022 setback to Joe Joyce to chalk up a string of victories which put him as the top contender to challenge Usyk prior to he was defeated to the British fighter.
After Parker's sample showed a positive test when he fought Wardley, reportedly for cocaine, an inquiry regarding the results has been started.
- Joseph Parker tested positive for an illegal substance.
- The examination took place through Vada on the fight day.
- Joseph Parker is confronting disciplinary action from the sport.
- His promotional team released an announcement confirming the failed examination.
- A review has been in progress about the situation.
