New Zealand's Joseph Parker Faces Imminent Suspension Due to Failed Doping Test
The New Zealand heavyweight returned an adverse finding in a anti-doping examination conducted the very day he faced 11th-round stoppage versus British heavyweight Ipswich-born Wardley.
The Fight and Its Stakes
Wardley along with Parker participated in an intense bout held in London on 25 October to establish the next mandatory WBO contender against undisputed world heavyweight champion Oleksandr Usyk.
Parker was previously the primary candidate to challenge the champion following compiling a remarkable six consecutive victories, yet put his shot at the title at stake in the UK and endured an 11th-round stoppage.
Positive Test and Potential Consequences
A standard screening conducted on Joseph Parker via the anti-doping organization on the day of the bout came back positive and now leaves the 36-year-old in a difficult position to clear his name.
His promotion team published a statement which read: "Vada notified everyone involved regarding Joseph Parker tested positive subsequent to a doping test conducted on the fight day. During the ongoing inquiry, no additional comment are planned for now."
Career Background
The New Zealand boxer was crowned world champion back in 2016 before he surrendered his championship belt via unanimous decision versus Anthony Joshua in Wales 24 months later.
Parker remained a regular competitor across the United Kingdom after that, competing in eight bouts in total on UK territory and transferring to the Irish capital for preparation with highly regarded trainer Andy Lee over the past few years.
Current Situation
Coached by Andy Lee, Joseph Parker bounced back from his 2022 loss against Joe Joyce to secure multiple wins that placed him at the front of the line to meet the champion prior to he suffered defeat against Wardley.
After Parker returned a positive test during the Wardley bout, reportedly for cocaine, an inquiry regarding the results has been started.
- Parker failed a drug test for a banned substance.
- The screening was conducted through Vada on October 25th.
- The fighter is confronting a possible suspension from competition.
- His promotional team has issued an announcement addressing the failed examination.
- A review is currently underway regarding the case.
