Joseph Parker Could Receive Imminent Ban Following Failed Anti-Doping Test
Former world champion Parker produced a positive sample during a anti-doping examination carried out the very day of his 11th-round stoppage against UK boxer Fabio Wardley.
The Fight Along with Its Stakes
Wardley together with the New Zealander participated in a thrilling encounter held in London last October to determine the identity of the WBO mandatory challenger against undisputed world heavyweight champion Ukrainian champion Usyk.
Joseph Parker had positioned himself as next in line to meet Usyk following stringing together a remarkable six wins in a row, however placed his mandatory challenger status in jeopardy in London and suffered an 11th-round defeat.
Adverse Finding Along with Possible Outcomes
An ordinary examination conducted on the boxer by the Voluntary Anti-Doping Agency on the day of the bout returned positive which leaves the 36-year-old with a battle to demonstrate his cleanliness.
The boxer's representatives published a statement stating: "Vada alerted everyone involved that Joseph Parker had a positive result after a drug screening conducted on the fight day. While the matter is investigated, no additional comment are planned currently."
Boxing Journey
Joseph Parker earned the title of titleholder in 2016 until he surrendered his championship belt via unanimous decision against Anthony Joshua in Wales two years later.
The fighter has been a frequent visitor across the United Kingdom since then, fighting eight times overall in the UK and transferring to Dublin for fight camps alongside respected coach Andy Lee in recent years.
Recent Developments
Guided by Lee, the boxer recovered from the 2022 setback versus British heavyweight Joyce to chalk up a string of victories positioning him at the front of the line to face Oleksandr Usyk before he lost to Wardley.
Following Parker's sample showed an adverse finding on the day of the Wardley fight, allegedly for cocaine, a probe into the findings has commenced.
- Parker failed a drug test for a prohibited substance.
- The test was administered via the anti-doping agency on the fight day.
- The fighter could receive disciplinary action from competition.
- Queensberry released an announcement addressing the adverse finding.
- A review has been underway into the matter.
