Joseph Parker Faces Possible Suspension Following Positive Drugs Test
The New Zealand heavyweight returned an adverse finding as part of a drugs test administered the very day he faced 11th-round defeat against British heavyweight Fabio Wardley.
The Fight Along with Its Stakes
Wardley together with Joseph Parker were part of a thrilling contest held in London in late October to determine who would become mandatory WBO contender against undisputed world heavyweight champion Oleksandr Usyk.
Joseph Parker was previously the leading contender to face Usyk after stringing together an impressive six-fight winning streak, however put his contender position in jeopardy in London and experienced an 11th-round stoppage.
Positive Test and Possible Outcomes
An ordinary examination given to Parker by Vada the day of the match returned positive and leaves the 36-year-old with a battle to clear his name.
Parker's promotional company published a statement stating: "Vada notified all relevant parties about Parker had a positive result after an anti-doping test administered on October 25th. As the investigation continues, no further statements are forthcoming for now."
Boxing Journey
The New Zealand boxer was crowned heavyweight champion six years ago prior to he surrendered his WBO belt via unanimous decision against Anthony Joshua in Wales in 2018.
Parker has been a frequent visitor across the United Kingdom since then, competing in eight bouts altogether in Britain and transferring to the Irish capital for fight camps with highly regarded trainer Andy Lee over the past few years.
Current Situation
Guided by Lee, Parker bounced back from his defeat in 2022 against Joe Joyce to secure a string of victories positioning him front of the queue to face the champion until he was defeated to Wardley.
After Parker returned a positive test during the Wardley bout, reportedly for cocaine, an investigation into the findings is underway.
- The boxer failed a drug test for a prohibited substance.
- The screening was administered through Vada on the fight day.
- Joseph Parker is confronting a potential ban from boxing.
- Queensberry released an announcement confirming the failed examination.
- A review is currently in progress regarding the case.
