Boxer Joseph Parker Faces Imminent Suspension Due to Positive Anti-Doping Test
Joseph Parker returned an adverse finding during a anti-doping examination carried out the very day he faced 11th-round stoppage to UK boxer Fabio Wardley.
The Match and Its Stakes
The British boxer and Joseph Parker were part of a thrilling contest staged in the UK capital on 25 October to determine the identity of the WBO mandatory challenger to reigning heavyweight king Oleksandr Usyk.
The fighter had been the primary candidate to meet the champion after putting together a remarkable six wins in a row, but risked his shot at the title on the line in London and suffered an 11th-round stoppage.
Positive Test and Possible Outcomes
A standard screening given to the boxer via the Voluntary Anti-Doping Agency the day of the match returned positive and now leaves the veteran boxer in a difficult position to clear his name.
The boxer's representatives published an announcement declaring: "Vada alerted all relevant parties that Joseph Parker returned an adverse finding following a doping test conducted on the 25th October. As the investigation continues, no additional comment are forthcoming currently."
Boxing Journey
The New Zealand boxer became heavyweight champion back in 2016 prior to he was defeated for his WBO belt by unanimous decision to Anthony Joshua in Wales two years later.
The fighter became an active participant on British soil since then, having eight matches altogether in Britain and transferring to Dublin for fight camps with highly regarded trainer Andy Lee over the past few years.
Current Situation
Under the tutelage of Lee, the boxer recovered from the 2022 setback to Joe Joyce to secure multiple wins which put him front of the queue to challenge the champion before he lost to Wardley.
Following Parker's sample showed an adverse finding during the Wardley bout, reportedly involving cocaine, an inquiry about the test outcome has been started.
- Parker failed a drug test for an illegal substance.
- The examination took place by Vada on the fight day.
- Parker is confronting a potential ban from boxing.
- His representatives has issued a statement acknowledging the positive test.
- An investigation is now ongoing into the matter.
