New Zealand's Joseph Parker Could Receive Possible Ban Due to Positive Doping Test
The New Zealand heavyweight produced a positive sample as part of a drugs test administered the same day of his 11th-round loss versus British heavyweight Fabio Wardley.
The Bout Plus the Implications
Wardley along with Joseph Parker were part of an intense encounter staged in the UK capital on 25 October to establish the next WBO mandatory challenger to reigning heavyweight king Ukrainian champion Usyk.
Parker had been the leading contender to challenge Oleksandr Usyk following stringing together an impressive six wins in a row, however placed his contender position in jeopardy in London and endured an 11th-round stoppage.
Positive Test Along with Possible Outcomes
A routine test conducted on Parker through Vada the day he fought showed an adverse result and now leaves the veteran boxer with a battle to demonstrate his cleanliness.
Parker's promotional company published a statement which read: "The agency informed all required parties about Parker tested positive following a drug screening conducted on the fight day. While the matter is investigated, no additional comment are forthcoming currently."
Career Background
The New Zealand boxer became heavyweight champion in 2016 until he surrendered his WBO belt through a points decision versus Anthony Joshua in Wales two years later.
The fighter remained a regular competitor across the United Kingdom since then, fighting eight times in total on UK territory and transferring to the Irish capital for training camps alongside highly regarded trainer Andy Lee in recent years.
Recent Developments
Guided by Lee, Joseph Parker recovered from the 2022 setback versus Joe Joyce to achieve multiple wins positioning him at the front of the line to meet Oleksandr Usyk before he was defeated to the British fighter.
After the boxer produced a failed test when he fought Wardley, reportedly involving cocaine, a probe about the test outcome is underway.
- The boxer tested positive for a banned substance.
- The screening was administered by Vada on the fight day.
- The fighter could receive a potential ban from boxing.
- His promotional team published an announcement confirming the positive test.
- An investigation is currently underway into the matter.
