New Zealand's Joseph Parker Confronts Potential Ban Due to Positive Anti-Doping Test
Former world champion Parker tested positive in a doping test administered on the day he fought in 11th-round defeat against UK boxer Ipswich-born Wardley.
The Match Along with Its Consequences
Fabio Wardley and the New Zealander participated in an intense bout staged in the UK capital last October to establish the next next in line for the WBO to unified heavyweight titleholder Ukrainian champion Usyk.
Parker was previously next in line to meet the champion after putting together a remarkable six wins in a row, but risked his contender position on the line in London and experienced a stoppage in round eleven.
Positive Test Along with Potential Consequences
An ordinary examination conducted on Joseph Parker via Vada the day he fought came back positive and now leaves the 36-year-old with a battle to prove his innocence.
The boxer's representatives published a statement declaring: "The agency notified everyone involved that Joseph Parker returned an adverse finding after a doping test carried out on the 25th October. As the investigation continues, no additional comment are forthcoming for now."
Boxing Journey
Parker became titleholder back in 2016 before he surrendered his championship belt by unanimous decision against Anthony Joshua in Cardiff in 2018.
Parker became a regular competitor across the United Kingdom since then, fighting eight times in total in Britain and relocating to Ireland for preparation under esteemed mentor former champion Lee over the past few years.
Current Situation
Guided by Lee, the boxer bounced back from his defeat in 2022 to Joe Joyce to secure multiple wins that placed him as the top contender to meet the champion prior to he lost to Wardley.
After Parker returned an adverse finding during the Wardley bout, reportedly for cocaine, an investigation into the findings is underway.
- Joseph Parker returned an adverse finding for a banned substance.
- The screening was conducted through Vada on October 25th.
- Joseph Parker now faces a possible suspension from boxing.
- Queensberry published a statement confirming the adverse finding.
- A formal inquiry is now underway into the matter.
