Joseph Parker Confronts Potential Ban After Positive Anti-Doping Test
The New Zealand heavyweight returned an adverse finding in a doping test conducted the same day he faced 11th-round defeat versus British heavyweight Ipswich-born Wardley.
The Fight Plus the Implications
Wardley together with Joseph Parker engaged in an intense contest held in London last October to establish the next WBO mandatory challenger against unified heavyweight titleholder Oleksandr Usyk.
Joseph Parker had positioned himself as the primary candidate to face Oleksandr Usyk following putting together a remarkable six-fight winning streak, but risked his mandatory challenger status at stake in London and endured an 11th-round stoppage.
Adverse Finding Along with Implications
An ordinary examination administered to Joseph Parker by Vada the day of the match returned positive and now leaves the veteran boxer facing a challenge to demonstrate his cleanliness.
His promotion team issued a communique stating: "The agency alerted all required parties that Joseph Parker had a positive result following a doping test conducted on the 25th October. During the ongoing inquiry, no more comments are forthcoming currently."
Boxing Journey
Joseph Parker was crowned heavyweight champion back in 2016 prior to he surrendered the WBO title through a points decision to British star Joshua in Wales two years later.
The fighter became an active participant across the United Kingdom from that point, competing in eight bouts altogether in the UK and relocating to Ireland for fight camps under esteemed mentor former champion Lee during this period.
Recent Developments
Under the tutelage of Lee, the boxer bounced back from his 2022 loss versus British heavyweight Joyce to chalk up a string of victories positioning him at the front of the line to meet Usyk before he was defeated to the British fighter.
Following Parker returned a positive test during the Wardley bout, allegedly for cocaine, an investigation regarding the results has been started.
- Joseph Parker failed a drug test for an illegal substance.
- The screening was administered through Vada on October 25th.
- Joseph Parker could receive a potential ban from the sport.
- Queensberry has issued an announcement confirming the adverse finding.
- A review is now ongoing regarding the case.
