New Zealand's Joseph Parker Faces Potential Suspension Following Failed Doping Test
Joseph Parker returned an adverse finding in a doping test administered the very day he faced 11th-round loss against English fighter Fabio Wardley.
The Fight Plus the Consequences
The British boxer and Joseph Parker participated in an intense contest in London in late October to decide the next next in line for the WBO facing unified heavyweight titleholder Oleksandr Usyk.
Joseph Parker had positioned himself as the primary candidate to challenge Oleksandr Usyk subsequent to putting together an impressive six wins in a row, but placed his contender position on the line during the bout and endured an 11th-round stoppage.
Failed Examination Plus Implications
A standard screening administered to Joseph Parker via Vada on the day of the bout returned positive and now leaves the 36-year-old in a difficult position to prove his innocence.
Parker's promotional company issued an announcement which read: "Vada notified everyone involved that Joseph Parker tested positive after an anti-doping test administered on the fight day. During the ongoing inquiry, no more comments are forthcoming at this time."
Boxing Journey
The New Zealand boxer earned the title of world champion six years ago prior to he was defeated for his championship belt through a points decision versus Anthony Joshua in Wales two years later.
Parker remained a frequent visitor across the United Kingdom after that, having eight matches overall in the UK and moving to the Irish capital for fight camps under highly regarded trainer Andy Lee during this period.
Latest Events
Guided by Lee, Joseph Parker bounced back from his defeat in 2022 versus Joe Joyce to achieve a string of victories positioning him at the front of the line to face Oleksandr Usyk until he lost against Wardley.
Following Parker's sample showed a positive test during the Wardley bout, reportedly for cocaine, a probe into the findings is underway.
- Joseph Parker tested positive for a prohibited substance.
- The examination was conducted via the anti-doping agency the day of the bout.
- Parker now faces a potential ban from competition.
- Queensberry published a comment acknowledging the failed examination.
- A formal inquiry has been ongoing regarding the case.
