New Zealand's Joseph Parker Confronts Potential Ban Following Positive Doping Test
Former world champion Parker tested positive as part of a anti-doping examination carried out on the day he fought in 11th-round stoppage to UK boxer Fabio Wardley.
The Bout Plus the Stakes
Fabio Wardley together with Parker were part of a thrilling contest staged in the UK capital last October to determine who would become next in line for the WBO to undisputed world heavyweight champion Oleksandr Usyk.
Joseph Parker had been the primary candidate to face Usyk after putting together a notable six-fight winning streak, however put his shot at the title in jeopardy in London and experienced a stoppage in round eleven.
Adverse Finding Plus Potential Consequences
A standard screening administered to Joseph Parker by Vada the day he fought returned positive and leaves Parker with a battle to demonstrate his cleanliness.
His promotion team released a communique declaring: "The agency alerted all required parties regarding Joseph Parker returned an adverse finding after a drug screening conducted on the fight day. While the matter is investigated, no further statements are forthcoming for now."
Professional History
Parker was crowned world champion back in 2016 until he surrendered the WBO title via unanimous decision against Anthony Joshua in Cardiff 24 months later.
Joseph Parker remained a regular competitor across the United Kingdom after that, fighting eight times in total in Britain and moving to Ireland for fight camps alongside respected coach Andy Lee over the past few years.
Latest Events
Coached by Andy Lee, Parker recovered from the 2022 setback against Joe Joyce to achieve several successes positioning him as the top contender to challenge Oleksandr Usyk prior to he suffered defeat to Wardley.
Subsequent to Parker returned an adverse finding on the day of the Wardley fight, allegedly for cocaine, an inquiry regarding the results has been started.
- The boxer tested positive for a prohibited substance.
- The screening was administered by Vada on October 25th.
- Joseph Parker could receive a potential ban from boxing.
- Queensberry released an announcement addressing the positive test.
- A review is now underway into the matter.
