New Zealand's Joseph Parker Could Receive Imminent Ban Due to Positive Anti-Doping Test
Joseph Parker tested positive in a doping test conducted the very day he fought in 11th-round stoppage against British heavyweight Fabio Wardley.
The Match and Its Implications
Fabio Wardley and the New Zealander participated in a thrilling bout staged in the UK capital on 25 October to determine who would become mandatory WBO contender against undisputed world heavyweight champion Ukrainian champion Usyk.
Joseph Parker was previously the primary candidate to face Usyk subsequent to putting together a notable six-fight winning streak, yet placed his contender position at stake during the bout and experienced a stoppage in round eleven.
Positive Test Plus Implications
A standard screening administered to Joseph Parker by the Voluntary Anti-Doping Agency on the day of the bout came back positive which leaves the 36-year-old in a difficult position to demonstrate his cleanliness.
Parker's promotional company released an announcement declaring: "Vada informed all relevant parties regarding Joseph Parker had a positive result after an anti-doping test conducted on October 25th. During the ongoing inquiry, no additional comment will be made at this time."
Boxing Journey
Parker became world champion six years ago before he surrendered the WBO title via unanimous decision versus Anthony Joshua at the Millennium Stadium 24 months later.
Parker remained a regular competitor in the UK after that, having eight matches in total in Britain and relocating to Ireland for fight camps with respected coach Andy Lee over the past few years.
Recent Developments
Coached by Andy Lee, Joseph Parker bounced back from his defeat in 2022 against Joe Joyce to chalk up multiple wins positioning him at the front of the line to meet Oleksandr Usyk prior to he lost against Wardley.
Subsequent to the boxer produced a failed test when he fought Wardley, allegedly for cocaine, an inquiry regarding the results is underway.
- Joseph Parker returned an adverse finding for a banned substance.
- The screening was conducted by Vada on the fight day.
- Joseph Parker could receive a possible suspension from boxing.
- Queensberry has issued an announcement addressing the failed examination.
- A formal inquiry is now underway into the matter.
