New Zealand's Joseph Parker Confronts Possible Ban Following Positive Drugs Test
The New Zealand heavyweight tested positive during a anti-doping examination administered the very day of his 11th-round loss against British heavyweight Fabio Wardley.
The Fight Plus the Consequences
Wardley together with the New Zealander were part of an intense bout held in London last October to establish the next WBO mandatory challenger facing unified heavyweight titleholder Oleksandr Usyk.
The fighter was previously the primary candidate to challenge Usyk after putting together a notable six consecutive victories, yet risked his mandatory challenger status on the line in the UK and suffered an 11th-round stoppage.
Positive Test Along with Implications
An ordinary examination administered to Joseph Parker through the Voluntary Anti-Doping Agency the day of the match came back positive and now leaves Parker with a battle to clear his name.
Parker's promotional company issued a statement which read: "The anti-doping body notified all relevant parties that Joseph Parker tested positive after a doping test carried out on the fight day. As the investigation continues, no additional comment are forthcoming for now."
Boxing Journey
Joseph Parker became titleholder in 2016 prior to he was defeated for his WBO belt by unanimous decision against Anthony Joshua in Wales in 2018.
The fighter has been an active participant in the UK since then, having eight matches overall in the UK and moving to Ireland for fight camps with respected coach Andy Lee over the past few years.
Current Situation
Under the tutelage of Lee, Joseph Parker bounced back from the 2022 setback versus Joe Joyce to achieve a string of victories that placed him at the front of the line to challenge Oleksandr Usyk before he lost to the British fighter.
After Parker's sample showed an adverse finding on the day of the Wardley fight, allegedly for cocaine, an investigation into the findings has commenced.
- Parker failed a drug test for an illegal substance.
- The examination was conducted via the anti-doping agency on October 25th.
- Joseph Parker could receive a potential ban from competition.
- His representatives released a comment confirming the failed examination.
- A formal inquiry is currently underway into the matter.
