Boxer Joseph Parker Confronts Possible Ban Due to Failed Anti-Doping Test
Former world champion Parker produced a positive sample in a drugs test carried out the very day he faced 11th-round defeat to English fighter Fabio Wardley.
The Fight Plus the Implications
Wardley along with Parker were part of an intense contest staged in the UK capital on 25 October to establish the identity of the next in line for the WBO against reigning heavyweight king Ukrainian champion Usyk.
The fighter had positioned himself as next in line to meet the champion after compiling a notable six wins in a row, however placed his contender position at stake during the bout and suffered an 11th-round stoppage.
Positive Test Plus Implications
A routine test conducted on Joseph Parker by Vada the day he fought came back positive and leaves the 36-year-old with a battle to prove his innocence.
His promotion team released a communique which read: "Vada notified all required parties regarding Joseph Parker had a positive result subsequent to a drug screening administered on the 25th October. While the matter is investigated, no further statements will be made currently."
Boxing Journey
The New Zealand boxer became world champion six years ago prior to he was defeated for his WBO belt through a points decision versus Anthony Joshua at the Millennium Stadium two years later.
The fighter remained a regular competitor in the UK from that point, fighting eight times altogether on UK territory and transferring to Dublin for training camps under respected coach Andy Lee over the past few years.
Recent Developments
Under the tutelage of Lee, Joseph Parker overcame the 2022 setback versus Joe Joyce to chalk up several successes positioning him as the top contender to meet the champion until he was defeated to Wardley.
After Parker returned a positive test on the day of the Wardley fight, allegedly for cocaine, an investigation into the findings has been started.
- The boxer failed a drug test for a banned substance.
- The examination was conducted by Vada on the fight day.
- The fighter now faces disciplinary action from boxing.
- His representatives published a statement addressing the failed examination.
- A formal inquiry is currently ongoing into the matter.
