Joseph Parker Faces Imminent Ban After Positive Doping Test
Former world champion Parker returned an adverse finding as part of a doping test carried out on the day of his 11th-round stoppage to British heavyweight Fabio Wardley.
The Fight and Its Stakes
Fabio Wardley along with Joseph Parker engaged in an intense encounter in London in late October to determine who would become WBO mandatory challenger to undisputed world heavyweight champion Oleksandr Usyk.
Joseph Parker had positioned himself as the primary candidate to face Oleksandr Usyk after stringing together a remarkable six consecutive victories, but risked his mandatory challenger status in jeopardy in the UK and endured an 11th-round stoppage.
Positive Test Along with Potential Consequences
A routine test given to the boxer by the Voluntary Anti-Doping Agency the day he fought came back positive and leaves Parker with a battle to clear his name.
His promotion team released an announcement which read: "Vada notified everyone involved that Joseph Parker returned an adverse finding subsequent to a drug screening conducted on the fight day. As the investigation continues, no additional comment are forthcoming for now."
Professional History
Joseph Parker became world champion six years ago until he was defeated for his WBO belt via unanimous decision versus British star Joshua in Cardiff two years later.
The fighter has been a regular competitor in the UK after that, fighting eight times overall in Britain and relocating to Ireland for training camps under esteemed mentor Andy Lee over the past few years.
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Under the tutelage of Lee, Joseph Parker recovered from the 2022 setback versus Joe Joyce to chalk up several successes positioning him as the top contender to meet Oleksandr Usyk until he lost to the British fighter.
Subsequent to Parker's sample showed a positive test on the day of the Wardley fight, allegedly for cocaine, a probe about the test outcome has commenced.
- The boxer failed a drug test for an illegal substance.
- The examination was administered via the anti-doping agency the day of the bout.
- Parker could receive a possible suspension from boxing.
- His promotional team has issued a comment addressing the adverse finding.
- A formal inquiry is currently in progress into the matter.
