New Zealand's Joseph Parker Could Receive Imminent Suspension Due to Failed Doping Test
Joseph Parker tested positive as part of a doping test administered the very day he fought in 11th-round defeat to English fighter Fabio Wardley.
The Bout Plus the Implications
The British boxer along with the New Zealander engaged in a pulsating bout held in London in late October to decide who would become WBO mandatory challenger to undisputed world heavyweight champion Ukrainian champion Usyk.
Parker was previously next in line to face Oleksandr Usyk subsequent to stringing together a remarkable six consecutive victories, however placed his contender position at stake during the bout and suffered an 11th-round stoppage.
Positive Test and Implications
A standard screening conducted on Parker through Vada the day he fought returned positive and leaves Parker in a difficult position to clear his name.
The boxer's representatives issued an announcement which read: "The agency notified everyone involved about Parker returned an adverse finding after an anti-doping test administered on October 25th. While the matter is investigated, no more comments are forthcoming for now."
Professional History
Joseph Parker was crowned titleholder in 2016 until he surrendered his championship belt via unanimous decision to Anthony Joshua in Wales 24 months later.
Joseph Parker became a regular competitor on British soil since then, fighting eight times altogether in the UK and moving to Ireland for training camps alongside respected coach Andy Lee over the past few years.
Recent Developments
Coached by Andy Lee, the boxer overcame the 2022 setback versus Joe Joyce to secure several successes that placed him front of the queue to challenge Usyk before he suffered defeat to the British fighter.
After the boxer produced a failed test during the Wardley bout, reportedly involving cocaine, an inquiry about the test outcome has commenced.
- Parker tested positive for an illegal substance.
- The test was administered by Vada on October 25th.
- The fighter is confronting a potential ban from the sport.
- His representatives has issued a statement confirming the positive test.
- A review is currently underway regarding the case.