Joseph Parker Could Receive Possible Ban Following Failed Doping Test
Former world champion Parker returned an adverse finding as part of a doping test administered on the day he faced 11th-round loss to English fighter Fabio Wardley.
The Bout Plus the Stakes
Fabio Wardley along with the New Zealander were part of a pulsating encounter in London in late October to establish the next next in line for the WBO facing reigning heavyweight king Ukrainian champion Usyk.
Parker was previously the leading contender to challenge the champion subsequent to stringing together an impressive six-fight winning streak, but put his contender position on the line in London and experienced an 11th-round stoppage.
Failed Examination Along with Implications
A routine test given to Parker via Vada the day he fought showed an adverse result which leaves Parker with a battle to prove his innocence.
His promotion team issued a communique declaring: "Vada notified everyone involved that Joseph Parker had a positive result subsequent to an anti-doping test conducted on the 25th October. While the matter is investigated, no more comments are planned currently."
Career Background
Joseph Parker was crowned world champion in 2016 before he was defeated for his WBO belt by unanimous decision to British star Joshua at the Millennium Stadium 24 months later.
Joseph Parker remained a regular competitor in the UK from that point, having eight matches in total on UK territory and moving to Dublin for preparation under esteemed mentor former champion Lee in recent years.
Recent Developments
Under the tutelage of Lee, the boxer bounced back from his defeat in 2022 to Joe Joyce to secure multiple wins positioning him at the front of the line to meet Oleksandr Usyk prior to he was defeated against Wardley.
Subsequent to Parker's sample showed a failed test on the day of the Wardley fight, allegedly for cocaine, an inquiry into the findings has commenced.
- Parker failed a drug test for a prohibited substance.
- The examination took place via the anti-doping agency the day of the bout.
- Parker is confronting a possible suspension from the sport.
- His promotional team has issued a statement acknowledging the adverse finding.
- An investigation is now ongoing about the situation.