Joseph Parker Could Receive Possible Ban Due to Failed Doping Test
Former world champion Parker returned an adverse finding as part of a anti-doping examination carried out on the day of his 11th-round loss versus English fighter Ipswich-born Wardley.
The Bout and Its Stakes
Fabio Wardley and Joseph Parker engaged in a pulsating contest staged in the UK capital last October to establish the next mandatory WBO contender to undisputed world heavyweight champion Oleksandr Usyk.
Parker had been next in line to meet the champion after compiling a notable six wins in a row, but placed his mandatory challenger status in jeopardy in London and endured an 11th-round defeat.
Positive Test Plus Possible Outcomes
An ordinary examination conducted on the boxer by the Voluntary Anti-Doping Agency on the day of the bout returned positive and now leaves the veteran boxer with a battle to clear his name.
The boxer's representatives published an announcement stating: "Vada alerted everyone involved that Joseph Parker had a positive result after a drug screening conducted on the fight day. During the ongoing inquiry, no more comments are planned currently."
Professional History
The New Zealand boxer became world champion back in 2016 prior to he surrendered the WBO title through a points decision against Anthony Joshua in Wales 24 months later.
Joseph Parker has been a regular competitor across the United Kingdom from that point, competing in eight bouts overall in Britain and transferring to Dublin for training camps with highly regarded trainer Andy Lee during this period.
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Under the tutelage of Lee, the boxer recovered from his 2022 loss against Joe Joyce to achieve several successes which put him front of the queue to challenge Usyk before he was defeated against Wardley.
After Parker returned a failed test on the day of the Wardley fight, reportedly involving cocaine, an inquiry about the test outcome is underway.
- The boxer tested positive for an illegal substance.
- The screening took place by Vada the day of the bout.
- Joseph Parker could receive disciplinary action from boxing.
- His representatives released a comment acknowledging the positive test.
- An investigation is currently underway regarding the case.
