New Zealand's Joseph Parker Confronts Imminent Ban Following Positive Doping Test
The New Zealand heavyweight produced a positive sample as part of a doping test carried out the same day he faced 11th-round stoppage against British heavyweight Fabio Wardley.
The Bout Plus the Stakes
Fabio Wardley together with the New Zealander engaged in an intense bout staged in the UK capital last October to establish the next next in line for the WBO against unified heavyweight titleholder Ukrainian champion Usyk.
Joseph Parker had positioned himself as the primary candidate to meet Oleksandr Usyk following putting together a notable six-fight winning streak, however risked his contender position at stake in London and suffered an 11th-round stoppage.
Positive Test and Implications
A standard screening conducted on the boxer via the Voluntary Anti-Doping Agency the day he fought showed an adverse result which leaves the veteran boxer facing a challenge to clear his name.
The boxer's representatives published a statement stating: "The agency alerted everyone involved about Parker returned an adverse finding subsequent to an anti-doping test carried out on October 25th. During the ongoing inquiry, no additional comment are planned at this time."
Boxing Journey
Joseph Parker was crowned world champion in 2016 until he was defeated for his WBO belt via unanimous decision to Anthony Joshua in Cardiff 24 months later.
Joseph Parker became a frequent visitor on British soil from that point, fighting eight times altogether in Britain and transferring to Dublin for fight camps with highly regarded trainer Andy Lee over the past few years.
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Guided by Lee, the boxer bounced back from his defeat in 2022 against British heavyweight Joyce to secure several successes positioning him at the front of the line to face Oleksandr Usyk until he suffered defeat against Wardley.
After Parker returned a positive test when he fought Wardley, reportedly for cocaine, an inquiry about the test outcome has been started.
- Parker tested positive for an illegal substance.
- The screening was conducted by Vada the day of the bout.
- The fighter is confronting disciplinary action from competition.
- His representatives published a statement acknowledging the failed examination.
- An investigation has been in progress about the situation.
