New Zealand's Joseph Parker Could Receive Potential Ban Following Positive Doping Test
Former world champion Parker tested positive as part of a anti-doping examination conducted the same day he faced 11th-round defeat to English fighter Fabio Wardley.
The Fight and Its Implications
The British boxer together with Parker were part of a thrilling bout in London last October to decide the identity of the mandatory WBO contender to unified heavyweight titleholder Ukrainian champion Usyk.
Joseph Parker had positioned himself as the primary candidate to face Oleksandr Usyk subsequent to stringing together an impressive six-fight winning streak, yet placed his shot at the title at stake in the UK and experienced a stoppage in round eleven.
Positive Test Plus Possible Outcomes
A standard screening conducted on Joseph Parker via the Voluntary Anti-Doping Agency the day of the match showed an adverse result which leaves the 36-year-old in a difficult position to prove his innocence.
Parker's promotional company issued an announcement which read: "The anti-doping body alerted everyone involved regarding Joseph Parker had a positive result following a doping test conducted on October 25th. As the investigation continues, no further statements are forthcoming for now."
Career Background
Joseph Parker earned the title of titleholder back in 2016 until he was defeated for his championship belt via unanimous decision versus British star Joshua in Cardiff two years later.
Parker has been a frequent visitor across the United Kingdom from that point, competing in eight bouts altogether in the UK and relocating to Ireland for fight camps with respected coach former champion Lee in recent years.
Latest Events
Guided by Lee, Joseph Parker overcame his defeat in 2022 against Joe Joyce to achieve a string of victories which put him front of the queue to face Oleksandr Usyk prior to he was defeated to Wardley.
Following the boxer produced an adverse finding when he fought Wardley, reportedly involving cocaine, an investigation regarding the results has been started.
- Parker failed a drug test for a prohibited substance.
- The screening was administered by Vada on the fight day.
- The fighter could receive a potential ban from the sport.
- His representatives has issued an announcement addressing the adverse finding.
- An investigation has been in progress about the situation.
