New Zealand's Joseph Parker Confronts Imminent Ban Following Positive Anti-Doping Test
The New Zealand heavyweight tested positive as part of a drugs test administered the very day of his 11th-round defeat to English fighter Fabio Wardley.
The Fight Along with Its Stakes
Wardley along with Joseph Parker participated in a pulsating bout in London last October to establish the next mandatory WBO contender facing reigning heavyweight king Ukrainian champion Usyk.
Parker was previously the leading contender to challenge Oleksandr Usyk following putting together an impressive six consecutive victories, however put his shot at the title at stake in the UK and suffered an 11th-round stoppage.
Adverse Finding Plus Implications
A standard screening conducted on the boxer through the anti-doping organization the day of the match showed an adverse result and now leaves the 36-year-old facing a challenge to demonstrate his cleanliness.
The boxer's representatives released a statement stating: "Vada notified all required parties that Joseph Parker tested positive following a doping test administered on the fight day. During the ongoing inquiry, no further statements will be made currently."
Boxing Journey
Parker was crowned titleholder in 2016 until he lost the WBO title by unanimous decision versus Anthony Joshua in Cardiff in 2018.
Joseph Parker has been a frequent visitor on British soil since then, competing in eight bouts overall in the UK and moving to the Irish capital for training camps under esteemed mentor former champion Lee during this period.
Current Situation
Coached by Andy Lee, the boxer overcame his defeat in 2022 to Joe Joyce to secure multiple wins that placed him at the front of the line to meet Oleksandr Usyk until he suffered defeat to Wardley.
Following the boxer produced an adverse finding during the Wardley bout, reportedly involving cocaine, an inquiry regarding the results has commenced.
- Joseph Parker returned an adverse finding for a prohibited substance.
- The test was administered via the anti-doping agency the day of the bout.
- Parker now faces disciplinary action from the sport.
- His promotional team released a statement acknowledging the adverse finding.
- A review is now underway into the matter.
