New Zealand's Joseph Parker Faces Potential Ban Due to Positive Anti-Doping Test
Joseph Parker returned an adverse finding during a doping test administered the very day he fought in 11th-round defeat versus English fighter Fabio Wardley.
The Fight and Its Implications
Fabio Wardley together with Joseph Parker engaged in a thrilling contest in London on 25 October to decide the identity of the mandatory WBO contender against reigning heavyweight king Oleksandr Usyk.
The fighter had been the leading contender to meet Oleksandr Usyk subsequent to stringing together an impressive six wins in a row, yet placed his mandatory challenger status on the line during the bout and experienced a stoppage in round eleven.
Positive Test and Potential Consequences
A routine test administered to the boxer through the anti-doping organization on the day of the bout came back positive which leaves the veteran boxer in a difficult position to clear his name.
His promotion team published a statement stating: "The agency notified all required parties regarding Joseph Parker had a positive result following an anti-doping test carried out on the fight day. As the investigation continues, no additional comment are planned for now."
Boxing Journey
The New Zealand boxer was crowned world champion six years ago prior to he was defeated for the WBO title by unanimous decision to Anthony Joshua in Cardiff 24 months later.
The fighter remained a regular competitor across the United Kingdom since then, competing in eight bouts in total on UK territory and relocating to Ireland for preparation alongside highly regarded trainer former champion Lee during this period.
Current Situation
Under the tutelage of Lee, the boxer recovered from the 2022 setback to British heavyweight Joyce to achieve multiple wins which put him front of the queue to face the champion prior to he suffered defeat to the British fighter.
Following the boxer produced a positive test on the day of the Wardley fight, reportedly for cocaine, an investigation into the findings has been started.
- Joseph Parker returned an adverse finding for a prohibited substance.
- The screening was conducted through Vada on October 25th.
- Joseph Parker is confronting a possible suspension from boxing.
- His promotional team has issued an announcement confirming the adverse finding.
- An investigation is now underway about the situation.
