Boxer Joseph Parker Confronts Possible Suspension After Positive Drugs Test
The New Zealand heavyweight produced a positive sample during a anti-doping examination carried out the very day of his 11th-round loss versus English fighter Fabio Wardley.
The Bout Along with Its Stakes
The British boxer along with the New Zealander were part of a thrilling encounter staged in the UK capital last October to decide the next mandatory WBO contender to reigning heavyweight king Oleksandr Usyk.
The fighter had been the leading contender to meet the champion after putting together a notable six-fight winning streak, but put his shot at the title on the line in London and suffered an 11th-round stoppage.
Positive Test Plus Possible Outcomes
An ordinary examination given to Parker through Vada the day of the match returned positive and leaves the 36-year-old with a battle to prove his innocence.
His promotion team released a communique declaring: "Vada notified all required parties about Parker returned an adverse finding following a drug screening carried out on the fight day. As the investigation continues, no additional comment are forthcoming for now."
Boxing Journey
Joseph Parker earned the title of titleholder back in 2016 before he was defeated for his WBO belt through a points decision versus Anthony Joshua in Cardiff 24 months later.
Parker became a frequent visitor in the UK after that, having eight matches in total in the UK and moving to Dublin for fight camps with esteemed mentor Andy Lee in recent years.
Recent Developments
Coached by Andy Lee, the boxer bounced back from his 2022 loss against Joe Joyce to chalk up multiple wins positioning him front of the queue to challenge Oleksandr Usyk prior to he lost to Wardley.
Subsequent to Parker's sample showed a positive test on the day of the Wardley fight, allegedly for cocaine, an investigation into the findings has been started.
- Parker failed a drug test for a prohibited substance.
- The test was administered by Vada on October 25th.
- Parker could receive disciplinary action from boxing.
- His representatives published a statement acknowledging the adverse finding.
- An investigation is now ongoing about the situation.
