Boxer Joseph Parker Faces Potential Ban Following Failed Doping Test
Joseph Parker returned an adverse finding as part of a doping test administered the same day of his 11th-round defeat to British heavyweight Fabio Wardley.
The Match Along with Its Stakes
Wardley together with Joseph Parker participated in a pulsating encounter in London in late October to establish the next mandatory WBO contender to undisputed world heavyweight champion Oleksandr Usyk.
Parker was previously the leading contender to challenge Oleksandr Usyk after stringing together a remarkable six wins in a row, yet put his shot at the title at stake in London and suffered an 11th-round defeat.
Adverse Finding Plus Possible Outcomes
A standard screening administered to Parker by the Voluntary Anti-Doping Agency the day he fought returned positive and now leaves the 36-year-old facing a challenge to prove his innocence.
The boxer's representatives released a communique which read: "Vada alerted all required parties regarding Joseph Parker had a positive result after a doping test conducted on the 25th October. During the ongoing inquiry, no additional comment will be made at this time."
Professional History
The New Zealand boxer earned the title of world champion six years ago prior to he surrendered the WBO title via unanimous decision to British star Joshua at the Millennium Stadium 24 months later.
Joseph Parker became an active participant across the United Kingdom since then, competing in eight bouts altogether in Britain and transferring to the Irish capital for training camps alongside esteemed mentor former champion Lee during this period.
Current Situation
Under the tutelage of Lee, Parker overcame his 2022 loss versus Joe Joyce to chalk up a string of victories that placed him at the front of the line to face Oleksandr Usyk before he was defeated against Wardley.
Subsequent to the boxer produced an adverse finding when he fought Wardley, reportedly involving cocaine, an inquiry about the test outcome has commenced.
- Parker returned an adverse finding for an illegal substance.
- The examination was administered through Vada the day of the bout.
- Parker is confronting a potential ban from competition.
- His representatives has issued a statement addressing the positive test.
- An investigation is now underway about the situation.
