New Zealand's Joseph Parker Could Receive Potential Ban After Failed Drugs Test
Joseph Parker returned an adverse finding as part of a drugs test conducted the very day of his 11th-round stoppage to English fighter Ipswich-born Wardley.
The Match Plus the Stakes
The British boxer and the New Zealander participated in an intense bout staged in the UK capital in late October to decide the next WBO mandatory challenger against unified heavyweight titleholder Oleksandr Usyk.
Joseph Parker had positioned himself as the primary candidate to meet Usyk following stringing together a notable six-fight winning streak, however put his mandatory challenger status in jeopardy in London and experienced a stoppage in round eleven.
Positive Test and Potential Consequences
A routine test conducted on Parker through Vada on the day of the bout showed an adverse result and leaves the 36-year-old with a battle to demonstrate his cleanliness.
Parker's promotional company issued a statement stating: "The agency alerted all relevant parties about Parker had a positive result after a doping test administered on the fight day. While the matter is investigated, no further statements are planned currently."
Professional History
Joseph Parker became world champion six years ago before he surrendered the WBO title via unanimous decision against Anthony Joshua in Wales in 2018.
Joseph Parker remained a frequent visitor on British soil from that point, fighting eight times overall in Britain and relocating to the Irish capital for training camps alongside esteemed mentor Andy Lee over the past few years.
Recent Developments
Under the tutelage of Lee, Joseph Parker overcame his defeat in 2022 to British heavyweight Joyce to secure multiple wins positioning him as the top contender to face Oleksandr Usyk prior to he lost to Wardley.
Following the boxer produced a positive test when he fought Wardley, allegedly for cocaine, an investigation about the test outcome has been started.
- Parker tested positive for an illegal substance.
- The examination was administered via the anti-doping agency on October 25th.
- Parker could receive disciplinary action from competition.
- His promotional team published a comment addressing the adverse finding.
- An investigation is now in progress about the situation.