New Zealand's Joseph Parker Faces Potential Suspension Due to Failed Anti-Doping Test
The New Zealand heavyweight returned an adverse finding in a doping test administered the same day he faced 11th-round loss against British heavyweight Fabio Wardley.
The Bout Plus the Consequences
The British boxer and Parker were part of an intense bout in London in late October to establish the identity of the mandatory WBO contender facing reigning heavyweight king Ukrainian champion Usyk.
The fighter had been the leading contender to face Usyk subsequent to putting together an impressive six-fight winning streak, but put his shot at the title on the line in the UK and endured an 11th-round defeat.
Adverse Finding and Possible Outcomes
An ordinary examination administered to Joseph Parker through the anti-doping organization the day he fought came back positive and leaves the veteran boxer in a difficult position to demonstrate his cleanliness.
His promotion team released an announcement stating: "Vada notified all relevant parties about Parker had a positive result subsequent to a doping test carried out on October 25th. As the investigation continues, no further statements will be made at this time."
Boxing Journey
Joseph Parker was crowned heavyweight champion six years ago prior to he surrendered his WBO belt through a points decision to British star Joshua at the Millennium Stadium two years later.
The fighter remained an active participant in the UK since then, competing in eight bouts in total on UK territory and relocating to the Irish capital for fight camps alongside respected coach former champion Lee during this period.
Recent Developments
Coached by Andy Lee, Parker bounced back from his defeat in 2022 versus British heavyweight Joyce to secure multiple wins that placed him front of the queue to challenge Oleksandr Usyk prior to he suffered defeat against Wardley.
Following Parker's sample showed an adverse finding during the Wardley bout, allegedly for cocaine, a probe about the test outcome has been started.
- Parker failed a drug test for a banned substance.
- The test was conducted by Vada on October 25th.
- The fighter is confronting a possible suspension from the sport.
- His promotional team released an announcement addressing the positive test.
- A formal inquiry has been underway regarding the case.
