New Zealand's Joseph Parker Faces Imminent Suspension After Positive Doping Test
Joseph Parker produced a positive sample in a doping test carried out on the day he faced 11th-round loss against English fighter Fabio Wardley.
The Fight Plus the Consequences
Fabio Wardley and the New Zealander participated in an intense bout held in London last October to establish the identity of the WBO mandatory challenger facing unified heavyweight titleholder Oleksandr Usyk.
The fighter had positioned himself as the leading contender to face Usyk after putting together an impressive six-fight winning streak, yet placed his mandatory challenger status in jeopardy in the UK and experienced an 11th-round stoppage.
Adverse Finding and Potential Consequences
A routine test administered to the boxer by the Voluntary Anti-Doping Agency on the day of the bout showed an adverse result which leaves the veteran boxer in a difficult position to demonstrate his cleanliness.
Parker's promotional company released a communique which read: "The agency notified all required parties that Joseph Parker tested positive after a doping test administered on October 25th. During the ongoing inquiry, no additional comment are planned at this time."
Professional History
Parker became world champion six years ago until he lost his championship belt by unanimous decision versus Anthony Joshua at the Millennium Stadium two years later.
The fighter has been a frequent visitor on British soil after that, competing in eight bouts altogether in the UK and relocating to Dublin for fight camps under esteemed mentor former champion Lee during this period.
Recent Developments
Coached by Andy Lee, Joseph Parker bounced back from the 2022 setback versus Joe Joyce to chalk up multiple wins which put him front of the queue to meet the champion until he lost to Wardley.
Subsequent to Parker returned a positive test on the day of the Wardley fight, reportedly involving cocaine, an inquiry regarding the results has been started.
- Parker failed a drug test for a prohibited substance.
- The examination was administered by Vada on the fight day.
- Joseph Parker now faces a possible suspension from boxing.
- His promotional team released a statement confirming the failed examination.
- An investigation has been in progress regarding the case.
