New Zealand's Joseph Parker Confronts Imminent Suspension Due to Failed Drugs Test
The New Zealand heavyweight tested positive as part of a drugs test conducted the very day he faced 11th-round defeat to English fighter Fabio Wardley.
The Match Plus the Implications
Fabio Wardley along with Parker participated in an intense encounter in London last October to establish the next WBO mandatory challenger facing undisputed world heavyweight champion Oleksandr Usyk.
Joseph Parker was previously the primary candidate to face Usyk after stringing together an impressive six wins in a row, yet placed his contender position on the line during the bout and endured an 11th-round defeat.
Adverse Finding and Possible Outcomes
An ordinary examination given to the boxer by the Voluntary Anti-Doping Agency the day he fought came back positive and leaves the 36-year-old with a battle to demonstrate his cleanliness.
His promotion team released a communique which read: "The anti-doping body notified all relevant parties regarding Joseph Parker had a positive result after a drug screening conducted on the 25th October. While the matter is investigated, no additional comment are planned for now."
Career Background
Parker was crowned world champion six years ago until he was defeated for his championship belt via unanimous decision against British star Joshua in Cardiff two years later.
Parker remained a frequent visitor on British soil since then, fighting eight times overall in the UK and relocating to Dublin for training camps with highly regarded trainer Andy Lee in recent years.
Recent Developments
Coached by Andy Lee, the boxer overcame the 2022 setback to Joe Joyce to chalk up a string of victories which put him as the top contender to meet Usyk before he lost to Wardley.
Following Parker's sample showed a failed test on the day of the Wardley fight, allegedly for cocaine, a probe about the test outcome has commenced.
- The boxer tested positive for an illegal substance.
- The examination took place by Vada on October 25th.
- The fighter now faces a potential ban from boxing.
- Queensberry released a comment confirming the adverse finding.
- A review has been ongoing into the matter.
