New Zealand's Joseph Parker Could Receive Imminent Ban Due to Failed Doping Test
Joseph Parker tested positive as part of a anti-doping examination administered the same day of his 11th-round loss against UK boxer Fabio Wardley.
The Match Plus the Stakes
The British boxer along with Parker engaged in a thrilling bout staged in the UK capital last October to establish the next WBO mandatory challenger to reigning heavyweight king Oleksandr Usyk.
Joseph Parker had positioned himself as the leading contender to challenge Usyk following stringing together a remarkable six-fight winning streak, but placed his shot at the title on the line in London and suffered an 11th-round stoppage.
Adverse Finding Plus Implications
A standard screening administered to the boxer by Vada the day he fought returned positive and leaves Parker in a difficult position to clear his name.
Parker's promotional company issued a statement declaring: "The agency informed all required parties that Joseph Parker returned an adverse finding following an anti-doping test administered on the fight day. As the investigation continues, no more comments are planned for now."
Professional History
Joseph Parker was crowned heavyweight champion six years ago until he lost his championship belt through a points decision to Anthony Joshua in Cardiff two years later.
Joseph Parker remained a frequent visitor on British soil from that point, competing in eight bouts in total in Britain and relocating to Dublin for preparation with respected coach former champion Lee over the past few years.
Current Situation
Guided by Lee, Parker overcame the 2022 setback to British heavyweight Joyce to achieve multiple wins positioning him as the top contender to challenge Usyk prior to he lost to Wardley.
Subsequent to the boxer produced an adverse finding during the Wardley bout, reportedly for cocaine, a probe about the test outcome has been started.
- Joseph Parker returned an adverse finding for a prohibited substance.
- The screening took place through Vada on the fight day.
- The fighter could receive disciplinary action from boxing.
- His representatives has issued a comment addressing the failed examination.
- An investigation has been underway about the situation.
