Joseph Parker Could Receive Possible Suspension After Positive Anti-Doping Test
The New Zealand heavyweight tested positive in a anti-doping examination conducted on the day he fought in 11th-round loss to English fighter Fabio Wardley.
The Fight and Its Stakes
The British boxer along with the New Zealander participated in an intense encounter staged in the UK capital last October to decide who would become mandatory WBO contender facing undisputed world heavyweight champion Oleksandr Usyk.
The fighter had positioned himself as the leading contender to challenge Usyk after compiling a notable six consecutive victories, but put his shot at the title on the line in London and endured a stoppage in round eleven.
Failed Examination and Potential Consequences
A standard screening given to Joseph Parker via the anti-doping organization the day of the match returned positive and now leaves Parker in a difficult position to clear his name.
Parker's promotional company released a communique declaring: "Vada notified all relevant parties about Parker had a positive result following a drug screening conducted on the fight day. During the ongoing inquiry, no additional comment will be made at this time."
Professional History
The New Zealand boxer was crowned titleholder six years ago until he surrendered the WBO title through a points decision against Anthony Joshua at the Millennium Stadium two years later.
The fighter remained a regular competitor on British soil from that point, having eight matches altogether in Britain and transferring to Dublin for training camps alongside respected coach Andy Lee during this period.
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Coached by Andy Lee, Joseph Parker overcame the 2022 setback against Joe Joyce to achieve multiple wins positioning him front of the queue to challenge Usyk until he was defeated to Wardley.
Following the boxer produced a failed test on the day of the Wardley fight, reportedly for cocaine, a probe into the findings has commenced.
- Parker tested positive for an illegal substance.
- The test was conducted via the anti-doping agency on October 25th.
- The fighter now faces a possible suspension from the sport.
- His representatives published a comment addressing the failed examination.
- A formal inquiry is now ongoing about the situation.
