New Zealand's Joseph Parker Faces Possible Suspension Following Positive Anti-Doping Test
Former world champion Parker returned an adverse finding in a anti-doping examination conducted the same day he faced 11th-round loss versus British heavyweight Ipswich-born Wardley.
The Match Along with Its Consequences
Fabio Wardley along with the New Zealander participated in a thrilling bout staged in the UK capital last October to establish who would become next in line for the WBO facing undisputed world heavyweight champion Oleksandr Usyk.
Parker had positioned himself as next in line to face the champion after compiling a notable six wins in a row, however put his mandatory challenger status in jeopardy during the bout and endured an 11th-round stoppage.
Positive Test Plus Implications
A routine test administered to Parker via Vada on the day of the bout showed an adverse result which leaves the 36-year-old in a difficult position to clear his name.
Parker's promotional company issued a statement declaring: "The agency alerted all required parties regarding Joseph Parker returned an adverse finding after a drug screening carried out on the fight day. As the investigation continues, no additional comment are forthcoming at this time."
Boxing Journey
Joseph Parker was crowned heavyweight champion back in 2016 prior to he surrendered his championship belt by unanimous decision against Anthony Joshua in Cardiff in 2018.
Joseph Parker remained an active participant across the United Kingdom from that point, competing in eight bouts overall in Britain and transferring to the Irish capital for training camps alongside highly regarded trainer Andy Lee over the past few years.
Recent Developments
Coached by Andy Lee, the boxer bounced back from the 2022 setback to Joe Joyce to achieve several successes positioning him as the top contender to challenge the champion prior to he lost against Wardley.
Subsequent to the boxer produced a failed test on the day of the Wardley fight, reportedly for cocaine, an investigation about the test outcome has commenced.
- Joseph Parker tested positive for a banned substance.
- The screening was administered via the anti-doping agency the day of the bout.
- Parker is confronting a possible suspension from boxing.
- Queensberry published an announcement confirming the positive test.
- A formal inquiry is currently in progress about the situation.
