Boxer Joseph Parker Could Receive Possible Suspension Due to Positive Drugs Test
The New Zealand heavyweight produced a positive sample in a drugs test conducted the very day of his 11th-round defeat to English fighter Ipswich-born Wardley.
The Bout Plus the Consequences
The British boxer together with Joseph Parker participated in an intense bout in London last October to establish the next WBO mandatory challenger against unified heavyweight titleholder Oleksandr Usyk.
Parker had positioned himself as next in line to challenge the champion after compiling a remarkable six wins in a row, however risked his contender position at stake in London and experienced a stoppage in round eleven.
Failed Examination Along with Implications
A standard screening conducted on the boxer by the Voluntary Anti-Doping Agency on the day of the bout came back positive which leaves the veteran boxer in a difficult position to clear his name.
The boxer's representatives published a statement which read: "The agency alerted all relevant parties regarding Joseph Parker returned an adverse finding following a doping test carried out on the fight day. During the ongoing inquiry, no further statements will be made for now."
Professional History
Parker became heavyweight champion in 2016 before he surrendered the WBO title through a points decision to British star Joshua in Wales in 2018.
Parker became an active participant in the UK after that, competing in eight bouts in total in the UK and relocating to Dublin for preparation alongside esteemed mentor former champion Lee over the past few years.
Current Situation
Guided by Lee, the boxer bounced back from his 2022 loss to Joe Joyce to secure several successes positioning him as the top contender to challenge Oleksandr Usyk prior to he was defeated against Wardley.
After Parker returned a failed test on the day of the Wardley fight, allegedly for cocaine, an investigation into the findings is underway.
- Joseph Parker returned an adverse finding for a banned substance.
- The test was administered through Vada the day of the bout.
- Parker now faces disciplinary action from the sport.
- His promotional team published a comment acknowledging the positive test.
- An investigation is now ongoing into the matter.
