New Zealand's Joseph Parker Could Receive Possible Ban Following Positive Drugs Test
The New Zealand heavyweight produced a positive sample in a doping test administered on the day he fought in 11th-round defeat to UK boxer Ipswich-born Wardley.
The Bout and Its Stakes
The British boxer along with Parker engaged in a pulsating bout held in London on 25 October to decide who would become WBO mandatory challenger facing undisputed world heavyweight champion Ukrainian champion Usyk.
Parker had positioned himself as next in line to meet Oleksandr Usyk following compiling an impressive six consecutive victories, however risked his contender position on the line during the bout and endured a stoppage in round eleven.
Failed Examination and Potential Consequences
An ordinary examination conducted on Parker through Vada the day of the match came back positive and leaves the veteran boxer in a difficult position to clear his name.
The boxer's representatives released a statement stating: "The anti-doping body informed all required parties about Parker returned an adverse finding subsequent to an anti-doping test administered on the fight day. During the ongoing inquiry, no additional comment will be made at this time."
Boxing Journey
The New Zealand boxer was crowned heavyweight champion six years ago before he surrendered his WBO belt through a points decision to Anthony Joshua in Cardiff in 2018.
Joseph Parker became a regular competitor on British soil after that, fighting eight times in total in the UK and relocating to Dublin for fight camps alongside highly regarded trainer Andy Lee in recent years.
Recent Developments
Guided by Lee, Parker recovered from the 2022 setback against Joe Joyce to chalk up multiple wins which put him front of the queue to meet Oleksandr Usyk prior to he lost against Wardley.
Subsequent to the boxer produced an adverse finding when he fought Wardley, reportedly for cocaine, a probe into the findings has commenced.
- The boxer failed a drug test for a prohibited substance.
- The test was administered through Vada the day of the bout.
- Joseph Parker is confronting a potential ban from competition.
- His promotional team has issued an announcement acknowledging the failed examination.
- A review has been ongoing into the matter.
