New Zealand's Joseph Parker Could Receive Potential Suspension After Failed Drugs Test
The New Zealand heavyweight produced a positive sample during a anti-doping examination carried out on the day he fought in 11th-round defeat to UK boxer Fabio Wardley.
The Fight Along with Its Implications
The British boxer along with the New Zealander were part of an intense bout staged in the UK capital in late October to determine the identity of the WBO mandatory challenger against reigning heavyweight king Oleksandr Usyk.
Parker had been the leading contender to meet Usyk subsequent to stringing together a remarkable six consecutive victories, but put his mandatory challenger status on the line during the bout and suffered a stoppage in round eleven.
Adverse Finding Plus Potential Consequences
An ordinary examination administered to the boxer via the anti-doping organization the day of the match returned positive which leaves the veteran boxer with a battle to prove his innocence.
His promotion team issued a statement stating: "The anti-doping body notified all relevant parties that Joseph Parker tested positive subsequent to a drug screening carried out on the fight day. While the matter is investigated, no further statements will be made for now."
Boxing Journey
The New Zealand boxer was crowned heavyweight champion six years ago before he surrendered the WBO title via unanimous decision against Anthony Joshua in Wales two years later.
Joseph Parker remained a frequent visitor in the UK since then, fighting eight times overall on UK territory and relocating to Dublin for preparation alongside respected coach former champion Lee over the past few years.
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Coached by Andy Lee, Joseph Parker recovered from his defeat in 2022 versus Joe Joyce to achieve several successes positioning him as the top contender to meet Oleksandr Usyk until he was defeated to the British fighter.
Following the boxer produced a positive test when he fought Wardley, reportedly for cocaine, a probe regarding the results has been started.
- Parker failed a drug test for a banned substance.
- The screening was administered through Vada the day of the bout.
- Joseph Parker now faces disciplinary action from boxing.
- His representatives released a comment confirming the positive test.
- An investigation is now ongoing into the matter.
