Boxer Joseph Parker Faces Imminent Suspension Following Failed Doping Test
Joseph Parker returned an adverse finding as part of a drugs test conducted the very day of his 11th-round stoppage to British heavyweight Fabio Wardley.
The Bout Plus the Implications
Wardley together with Joseph Parker engaged in a thrilling encounter staged in the UK capital on 25 October to decide the identity of the mandatory WBO contender facing undisputed world heavyweight champion Oleksandr Usyk.
Joseph Parker was previously next in line to meet Usyk after stringing together a notable six consecutive victories, but placed his mandatory challenger status at stake in the UK and experienced a stoppage in round eleven.
Adverse Finding Plus Potential Consequences
A standard screening given to the boxer through the Voluntary Anti-Doping Agency on the day of the bout came back positive and leaves Parker facing a challenge to clear his name.
The boxer's representatives released an announcement which read: "The anti-doping body notified all required parties regarding Joseph Parker had a positive result following an anti-doping test carried out on the fight day. As the investigation continues, no additional comment are planned currently."
Career Background
The New Zealand boxer was crowned titleholder six years ago prior to he lost his WBO belt through a points decision to Anthony Joshua at the Millennium Stadium in 2018.
Parker remained a frequent visitor across the United Kingdom after that, fighting eight times overall on UK territory and moving to the Irish capital for preparation with highly regarded trainer Andy Lee during this period.
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Guided by Lee, the boxer overcame his 2022 loss against Joe Joyce to secure a string of victories that placed him as the top contender to challenge Oleksandr Usyk until he suffered defeat against Wardley.
Subsequent to Parker returned a failed test when he fought Wardley, allegedly for cocaine, an inquiry into the findings has been started.
- Parker failed a drug test for a banned substance.
- The examination was administered by Vada on the fight day.
- The fighter is confronting a potential ban from the sport.
- His promotional team published an announcement addressing the failed examination.
- An investigation is now underway regarding the case.