Boxer Joseph Parker Could Receive Potential Suspension Due to Positive Drugs Test
Former world champion Parker produced a positive sample during a drugs test conducted on the day of his 11th-round stoppage against British heavyweight Fabio Wardley.
The Fight Plus the Stakes
Fabio Wardley together with the New Zealander participated in an intense encounter in London on 25 October to establish who would become WBO mandatory challenger against reigning heavyweight king Oleksandr Usyk.
The fighter was previously next in line to meet Usyk subsequent to stringing together an impressive six-fight winning streak, but placed his mandatory challenger status in jeopardy in London and endured an 11th-round defeat.
Adverse Finding Plus Implications
An ordinary examination administered to Joseph Parker via the anti-doping organization the day of the match came back positive which leaves Parker facing a challenge to prove his innocence.
His promotion team published an announcement declaring: "The anti-doping body informed everyone involved regarding Joseph Parker returned an adverse finding after a drug screening conducted on the 25th October. As the investigation continues, no further statements are planned for now."
Boxing Journey
Joseph Parker became titleholder six years ago until he surrendered the WBO title by unanimous decision to British star Joshua at the Millennium Stadium in 2018.
The fighter became a frequent visitor across the United Kingdom after that, fighting eight times altogether in Britain and transferring to the Irish capital for preparation under highly regarded trainer Andy Lee over the past few years.
Recent Developments
Under the tutelage of Lee, the boxer bounced back from his 2022 loss versus Joe Joyce to chalk up a string of victories which put him at the front of the line to face the champion before he lost to the British fighter.
After the boxer produced an adverse finding during the Wardley bout, allegedly for cocaine, a probe about the test outcome has been started.
- Joseph Parker failed a drug test for an illegal substance.
- The test was conducted through Vada the day of the bout.
- Joseph Parker now faces disciplinary action from competition.
- His promotional team has issued an announcement acknowledging the failed examination.
- A review has been in progress into the matter.