New Zealand's Joseph Parker Confronts Imminent Ban Following Failed Anti-Doping Test
The New Zealand heavyweight returned an adverse finding during a doping test carried out the very day he faced 11th-round loss versus UK boxer Fabio Wardley.
The Bout Plus the Implications
Fabio Wardley and Joseph Parker were part of a pulsating contest in London on 25 October to decide the next WBO mandatory challenger against undisputed world heavyweight champion Ukrainian champion Usyk.
Parker was previously next in line to challenge the champion subsequent to compiling a remarkable six consecutive victories, however risked his mandatory challenger status at stake in London and endured an 11th-round stoppage.
Adverse Finding Along with Implications
A standard screening given to the boxer through the Voluntary Anti-Doping Agency on the day of the bout showed an adverse result which leaves the veteran boxer with a battle to prove his innocence.
Parker's promotional company published a communique declaring: "The agency alerted all relevant parties that Joseph Parker tested positive following an anti-doping test administered on October 25th. During the ongoing inquiry, no further statements are planned for now."
Boxing Journey
Joseph Parker became titleholder in 2016 until he surrendered the WBO title via unanimous decision to Anthony Joshua at the Millennium Stadium in 2018.
Parker remained an active participant on British soil after that, fighting eight times in total in Britain and transferring to the Irish capital for training camps with esteemed mentor Andy Lee in recent years.
Recent Developments
Coached by Andy Lee, the boxer overcame the 2022 setback against Joe Joyce to chalk up a string of victories positioning him at the front of the line to challenge Oleksandr Usyk before he suffered defeat to Wardley.
Following Parker returned a failed test on the day of the Wardley fight, reportedly for cocaine, a probe regarding the results has commenced.
- Parker failed a drug test for an illegal substance.
- The screening was administered through Vada the day of the bout.
- Joseph Parker is confronting disciplinary action from boxing.
- His representatives has issued an announcement confirming the positive test.
- A review is currently in progress about the situation.
