New Zealand's Joseph Parker Faces Potential Suspension Following Failed Anti-Doping Test
Former world champion Parker returned an adverse finding in a anti-doping examination administered the same day of his 11th-round stoppage versus UK boxer Fabio Wardley.
The Fight and Its Consequences
The British boxer together with Joseph Parker engaged in a thrilling bout held in London on 25 October to establish who would become mandatory WBO contender facing reigning heavyweight king Oleksandr Usyk.
The fighter had positioned himself as next in line to face Usyk following putting together an impressive six wins in a row, but placed his shot at the title on the line in London and experienced an 11th-round defeat.
Adverse Finding Plus Potential Consequences
A routine test administered to Joseph Parker by the Voluntary Anti-Doping Agency on the day of the bout came back positive and now leaves Parker facing a challenge to demonstrate his cleanliness.
His promotion team published a statement which read: "Vada informed everyone involved about Parker had a positive result following a doping test carried out on October 25th. While the matter is investigated, no further statements will be made at this time."
Career Background
Joseph Parker became heavyweight champion back in 2016 until he surrendered his championship belt through a points decision versus Anthony Joshua in Cardiff two years later.
The fighter has been a regular competitor in the UK since then, competing in eight bouts in total on UK territory and transferring to Dublin for fight camps under esteemed mentor Andy Lee during this period.
Current Situation
Under the tutelage of Lee, Parker recovered from the 2022 setback versus British heavyweight Joyce to chalk up multiple wins that placed him as the top contender to meet the champion before he was defeated against Wardley.
After Parker returned a failed test during the Wardley bout, reportedly involving cocaine, an inquiry about the test outcome has been started.
- The boxer failed a drug test for a banned substance.
- The screening took place through Vada the day of the bout.
- The fighter is confronting disciplinary action from the sport.
- His promotional team has issued an announcement confirming the adverse finding.
- A formal inquiry has been underway into the matter.
