Joseph Parker Could Receive Possible Ban Due to Positive Doping Test
The New Zealand heavyweight produced a positive sample in a anti-doping examination conducted the very day he fought in 11th-round loss versus UK boxer Ipswich-born Wardley.
The Match and Its Implications
The British boxer along with the New Zealander participated in an intense encounter in London in late October to determine the identity of the mandatory WBO contender to unified heavyweight titleholder Ukrainian champion Usyk.
The fighter was previously the leading contender to challenge Usyk after compiling a remarkable six-fight winning streak, however put his mandatory challenger status in jeopardy in the UK and suffered an 11th-round defeat.
Failed Examination and Possible Outcomes
A standard screening given to Joseph Parker by the Voluntary Anti-Doping Agency on the day of the bout came back positive and leaves the veteran boxer in a difficult position to prove his innocence.
His promotion team published an announcement which read: "Vada alerted all required parties regarding Joseph Parker tested positive subsequent to a drug screening carried out on October 25th. As the investigation continues, no additional comment are planned at this time."
Professional History
The New Zealand boxer was crowned titleholder back in 2016 until he surrendered the WBO title by unanimous decision versus British star Joshua at the Millennium Stadium in 2018.
Parker remained an active participant across the United Kingdom from that point, competing in eight bouts overall in the UK and moving to Ireland for training camps under esteemed mentor Andy Lee during this period.
Recent Developments
Under the tutelage of Lee, Joseph Parker recovered from the 2022 setback to Joe Joyce to secure a string of victories which put him as the top contender to face the champion prior to he lost to Wardley.
Subsequent to Parker's sample showed a failed test during the Wardley bout, reportedly involving cocaine, an inquiry into the findings is underway.
- Joseph Parker returned an adverse finding for a prohibited substance.
- The examination was administered by Vada on the fight day.
- The fighter now faces a potential ban from boxing.
- His representatives published an announcement acknowledging the adverse finding.
- A review is now in progress into the matter.
