New Zealand's Joseph Parker Could Receive Possible Suspension Due to Failed Anti-Doping Test
Joseph Parker returned an adverse finding during a anti-doping examination carried out the very day he faced 11th-round defeat versus English fighter Fabio Wardley.
The Fight Along with Its Consequences
The British boxer along with the New Zealander participated in a pulsating contest held in London on 25 October to determine the next WBO mandatory challenger against unified heavyweight titleholder Oleksandr Usyk.
Joseph Parker had positioned himself as the leading contender to meet Usyk following putting together a remarkable six wins in a row, yet put his contender position on the line during the bout and endured an 11th-round stoppage.
Failed Examination and Implications
An ordinary examination given to Parker via the anti-doping organization the day of the match returned positive and now leaves the veteran boxer facing a challenge to clear his name.
His promotion team published a communique which read: "The agency informed all relevant parties about Parker tested positive after a drug screening administered on the 25th October. While the matter is investigated, no further statements are forthcoming at this time."
Boxing Journey
Parker earned the title of heavyweight champion back in 2016 until he surrendered his championship belt via unanimous decision to British star Joshua in Wales two years later.
The fighter has been an active participant in the UK after that, competing in eight bouts altogether in Britain and relocating to the Irish capital for training camps under respected coach Andy Lee over the past few years.
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Under the tutelage of Lee, Joseph Parker recovered from the 2022 setback versus Joe Joyce to secure a string of victories which put him at the front of the line to face Oleksandr Usyk prior to he was defeated to the British fighter.
After Parker returned an adverse finding during the Wardley bout, reportedly for cocaine, an inquiry regarding the results has been started.
- The boxer failed a drug test for a prohibited substance.
- The examination was administered through Vada on October 25th.
- Joseph Parker could receive disciplinary action from the sport.
- Queensberry released a comment addressing the positive test.
- A review is currently in progress into the matter.
