Boxer Joseph Parker Faces Imminent Suspension After Positive Drugs Test
Joseph Parker tested positive in a doping test conducted the same day he fought in 11th-round stoppage against UK boxer Fabio Wardley.
The Match Plus the Implications
Wardley and the New Zealander were part of a pulsating encounter in London last October to decide the next next in line for the WBO against unified heavyweight titleholder Oleksandr Usyk.
Parker was previously the leading contender to face Usyk after stringing together a notable six wins in a row, but put his contender position on the line during the bout and experienced a stoppage in round eleven.
Failed Examination Along with Possible Outcomes
A standard screening conducted on Joseph Parker via Vada the day of the match showed an adverse result which leaves the 36-year-old facing a challenge to clear his name.
The boxer's representatives released an announcement declaring: "The anti-doping body alerted all required parties that Joseph Parker had a positive result subsequent to a drug screening administered on the 25th October. During the ongoing inquiry, no further statements will be made for now."
Career Background
Parker became titleholder in 2016 before he was defeated for his championship belt through a points decision to Anthony Joshua at the Millennium Stadium in 2018.
The fighter became a regular competitor across the United Kingdom after that, fighting eight times overall in Britain and relocating to the Irish capital for preparation with esteemed mentor Andy Lee over the past few years.
Current Situation
Under the tutelage of Lee, Parker overcame his defeat in 2022 to British heavyweight Joyce to secure several successes that placed him at the front of the line to meet Usyk until he lost to the British fighter.
After the boxer produced a failed test during the Wardley bout, reportedly involving cocaine, an inquiry regarding the results has commenced.
- Parker tested positive for a banned substance.
- The examination was conducted through Vada the day of the bout.
- The fighter could receive a possible suspension from competition.
- Queensberry published a comment addressing the adverse finding.
- A review is currently underway regarding the case.
