New Zealand's Joseph Parker Could Receive Imminent Suspension Due to Positive Anti-Doping Test
Former world champion Parker returned an adverse finding as part of a doping test carried out the same day of his 11th-round stoppage to UK boxer Fabio Wardley.
The Match and Its Stakes
Wardley together with the New Zealander were part of a pulsating encounter held in London last October to establish the identity of the WBO mandatory challenger to reigning heavyweight king Oleksandr Usyk.
The fighter had positioned himself as next in line to face the champion following compiling an impressive six-fight winning streak, yet risked his shot at the title on the line in the UK and endured a stoppage in round eleven.
Adverse Finding Plus Potential Consequences
A standard screening given to Joseph Parker via the anti-doping organization on the day of the bout showed an adverse result and now leaves the veteran boxer facing a challenge to clear his name.
The boxer's representatives published an announcement stating: "The agency alerted all required parties about Parker tested positive subsequent to a doping test administered on October 25th. During the ongoing inquiry, no further statements will be made at this time."
Career Background
Joseph Parker earned the title of heavyweight champion in 2016 before he was defeated for the WBO title by unanimous decision versus Anthony Joshua at the Millennium Stadium 24 months later.
Parker became an active participant in the UK after that, fighting eight times overall in the UK and moving to the Irish capital for preparation alongside esteemed mentor Andy Lee over the past few years.
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Coached by Andy Lee, the boxer overcame his 2022 loss versus Joe Joyce to achieve multiple wins that placed him front of the queue to meet Usyk prior to he was defeated to Wardley.
Following Parker's sample showed a positive test during the Wardley bout, reportedly for cocaine, an investigation regarding the results is underway.
- The boxer returned an adverse finding for a prohibited substance.
- The test was conducted via the anti-doping agency the day of the bout.
- Joseph Parker is confronting disciplinary action from boxing.
- Queensberry released an announcement acknowledging the positive test.
- A review is now in progress about the situation.