New Zealand's Joseph Parker Could Receive Imminent Suspension After Failed Drugs Test
Former world champion Parker produced a positive sample during a anti-doping examination conducted on the day he faced 11th-round defeat versus English fighter Fabio Wardley.
The Bout Plus the Consequences
The British boxer and Joseph Parker participated in a pulsating bout staged in the UK capital in late October to decide the next WBO mandatory challenger to unified heavyweight titleholder Oleksandr Usyk.
Parker had been the primary candidate to challenge the champion following compiling an impressive six wins in a row, but placed his mandatory challenger status in jeopardy in the UK and endured a stoppage in round eleven.
Adverse Finding Plus Potential Consequences
A routine test administered to Parker via Vada on the day of the bout came back positive and now leaves the 36-year-old in a difficult position to demonstrate his cleanliness.
The boxer's representatives issued a statement stating: "Vada notified all relevant parties regarding Joseph Parker returned an adverse finding after a doping test administered on the 25th October. During the ongoing inquiry, no more comments are planned for now."
Professional History
Parker earned the title of heavyweight champion six years ago until he lost the WBO title by unanimous decision versus British star Joshua in Cardiff in 2018.
Parker became a frequent visitor across the United Kingdom from that point, fighting eight times altogether in Britain and moving to the Irish capital for training camps alongside respected coach former champion Lee in recent years.
Recent Developments
Guided by Lee, the boxer recovered from his defeat in 2022 to Joe Joyce to chalk up several successes that placed him as the top contender to challenge the champion prior to he suffered defeat to Wardley.
Following Parker's sample showed an adverse finding during the Wardley bout, allegedly for cocaine, an investigation into the findings has been started.
- Parker returned an adverse finding for a banned substance.
- The screening took place by Vada on the fight day.
- The fighter is confronting disciplinary action from competition.
- His representatives published a comment confirming the failed examination.
- An investigation is currently underway regarding the case.
