Joseph Parker Faces Possible Suspension Following Positive Doping Test
Former world champion Parker returned an adverse finding in a drugs test carried out the same day he fought in 11th-round loss versus UK boxer Ipswich-born Wardley.
The Match Along with Its Stakes
Wardley and Parker engaged in a pulsating contest held in London last October to decide the identity of the WBO mandatory challenger facing unified heavyweight titleholder Oleksandr Usyk.
Joseph Parker was previously the primary candidate to face Oleksandr Usyk subsequent to stringing together an impressive six-fight winning streak, yet placed his shot at the title in jeopardy in the UK and suffered a stoppage in round eleven.
Positive Test Plus Possible Outcomes
A standard screening given to Parker via the anti-doping organization the day he fought returned positive and leaves Parker with a battle to clear his name.
His promotion team published a communique declaring: "The agency alerted all required parties about Parker had a positive result subsequent to a doping test carried out on October 25th. While the matter is investigated, no additional comment are forthcoming at this time."
Professional History
The New Zealand boxer earned the title of titleholder back in 2016 before he was defeated for the WBO title through a points decision to Anthony Joshua in Cardiff 24 months later.
Joseph Parker remained a frequent visitor on British soil since then, fighting eight times altogether in Britain and moving to Dublin for preparation with esteemed mentor Andy Lee over the past few years.
Current Situation
Under the tutelage of Lee, Parker overcame his 2022 loss against Joe Joyce to secure a string of victories that placed him at the front of the line to meet Oleksandr Usyk before he suffered defeat to the British fighter.
Subsequent to Parker's sample showed a positive test on the day of the Wardley fight, reportedly involving cocaine, an investigation about the test outcome has been started.
- Joseph Parker returned an adverse finding for an illegal substance.
- The examination was conducted through Vada the day of the bout.
- The fighter could receive disciplinary action from competition.
- His promotional team published a statement addressing the positive test.
- A formal inquiry has been in progress about the situation.
