Joseph Parker Could Receive Possible Suspension Following Failed Anti-Doping Test
Joseph Parker tested positive as part of a drugs test carried out the same day he fought in 11th-round defeat to English fighter Ipswich-born Wardley.
The Bout Along with Its Implications
Wardley and the New Zealander participated in a pulsating bout held in London on 25 October to determine who would become next in line for the WBO facing unified heavyweight titleholder Ukrainian champion Usyk.
Joseph Parker was previously next in line to meet the champion subsequent to putting together a notable six wins in a row, but put his mandatory challenger status on the line in London and suffered a stoppage in round eleven.
Positive Test Plus Implications
A routine test given to Joseph Parker by Vada the day he fought showed an adverse result which leaves the veteran boxer in a difficult position to demonstrate his cleanliness.
His promotion team released a communique declaring: "The agency alerted all required parties that Joseph Parker returned an adverse finding after a drug screening carried out on the 25th October. While the matter is investigated, no more comments will be made for now."
Professional History
Parker became heavyweight champion six years ago before he lost his championship belt by unanimous decision to British star Joshua at the Millennium Stadium in 2018.
The fighter became an active participant in the UK after that, fighting eight times in total in Britain and transferring to the Irish capital for preparation alongside esteemed mentor Andy Lee during this period.
Recent Developments
Under the tutelage of Lee, Parker overcame his 2022 loss to Joe Joyce to achieve a string of victories positioning him front of the queue to challenge Oleksandr Usyk until he suffered defeat to Wardley.
Following Parker's sample showed an adverse finding during the Wardley bout, reportedly for cocaine, an investigation into the findings has been started.
- Parker returned an adverse finding for a banned substance.
- The examination was conducted by Vada on the fight day.
- Joseph Parker could receive a potential ban from competition.
- His promotional team released a comment confirming the failed examination.
- A formal inquiry is now ongoing regarding the case.
