Boxer Joseph Parker Could Receive Imminent Ban Following Positive Doping Test
Former world champion Parker returned an adverse finding in a doping test administered on the day of his 11th-round defeat versus UK boxer Fabio Wardley.
The Bout Plus the Consequences
The British boxer and Parker were part of a pulsating encounter staged in the UK capital on 25 October to establish the next WBO mandatory challenger facing undisputed world heavyweight champion Ukrainian champion Usyk.
Joseph Parker was previously the leading contender to challenge the champion following compiling a remarkable six wins in a row, but put his shot at the title on the line in London and suffered an 11th-round stoppage.
Adverse Finding Along with Possible Outcomes
An ordinary examination conducted on the boxer by the Voluntary Anti-Doping Agency on the day of the bout came back positive and now leaves Parker with a battle to prove his innocence.
The boxer's representatives issued a statement which read: "The agency informed all relevant parties that Joseph Parker had a positive result after an anti-doping test conducted on the 25th October. While the matter is investigated, no further statements are planned currently."
Professional History
The New Zealand boxer earned the title of heavyweight champion back in 2016 until he lost his WBO belt through a points decision against Anthony Joshua at the Millennium Stadium in 2018.
Parker remained a regular competitor across the United Kingdom since then, fighting eight times overall in the UK and relocating to Dublin for training camps under esteemed mentor Andy Lee during this period.
Recent Developments
Guided by Lee, Parker recovered from his defeat in 2022 against Joe Joyce to chalk up a string of victories positioning him at the front of the line to face the champion before he lost to the British fighter.
Following Parker's sample showed a failed test during the Wardley bout, reportedly for cocaine, an inquiry regarding the results is underway.
- The boxer returned an adverse finding for a prohibited substance.
- The test took place through Vada the day of the bout.
- Joseph Parker could receive disciplinary action from competition.
- His promotional team has issued a statement confirming the failed examination.
- An investigation is now in progress about the situation.
