Joseph Parker Confronts Imminent Suspension After Positive Doping Test
The New Zealand heavyweight tested positive in a drugs test administered the same day of his 11th-round defeat against British heavyweight Ipswich-born Wardley.
The Bout Plus the Implications
Fabio Wardley together with Joseph Parker participated in an intense bout held in London on 25 October to determine the identity of the mandatory WBO contender to undisputed world heavyweight champion Oleksandr Usyk.
The fighter had positioned himself as the leading contender to meet Usyk subsequent to stringing together an impressive six-fight winning streak, however risked his shot at the title at stake during the bout and endured an 11th-round defeat.
Adverse Finding Along with Potential Consequences
An ordinary examination administered to the boxer via Vada the day he fought came back positive and leaves Parker with a battle to demonstrate his cleanliness.
His promotion team released an announcement stating: "Vada alerted all required parties that Joseph Parker tested positive following a doping test administered on the fight day. During the ongoing inquiry, no additional comment are forthcoming at this time."
Professional History
The New Zealand boxer became world champion six years ago before he lost the WBO title by unanimous decision to Anthony Joshua in Cardiff 24 months later.
The fighter remained an active participant across the United Kingdom since then, having eight matches altogether in Britain and transferring to the Irish capital for preparation under highly regarded trainer former champion Lee over the past few years.
Latest Events
Coached by Andy Lee, Parker recovered from his defeat in 2022 to Joe Joyce to chalk up a string of victories which put him as the top contender to challenge the champion prior to he suffered defeat to the British fighter.
Subsequent to Parker's sample showed an adverse finding on the day of the Wardley fight, allegedly for cocaine, a probe about the test outcome is underway.
- The boxer tested positive for a prohibited substance.
- The screening was conducted by Vada on October 25th.
- Parker is confronting disciplinary action from the sport.
- His promotional team has issued an announcement addressing the failed examination.
- A review has been underway regarding the case.
