New Zealand's Joseph Parker Faces Possible Ban Due to Positive Anti-Doping Test
Joseph Parker tested positive in a doping test administered the very day of his 11th-round stoppage against UK boxer Fabio Wardley.
The Fight Plus the Implications
Fabio Wardley together with Joseph Parker were part of a pulsating encounter held in London on 25 October to establish who would become mandatory WBO contender to undisputed world heavyweight champion Oleksandr Usyk.
Joseph Parker had positioned himself as the leading contender to face Usyk following compiling a remarkable six-fight winning streak, but put his contender position in jeopardy in London and experienced an 11th-round stoppage.
Positive Test Along with Possible Outcomes
A routine test administered to Joseph Parker by the anti-doping organization the day of the match returned positive and now leaves the 36-year-old with a battle to clear his name.
His promotion team published a communique declaring: "Vada notified all relevant parties that Joseph Parker had a positive result after a drug screening conducted on October 25th. During the ongoing inquiry, no more comments are planned at this time."
Boxing Journey
The New Zealand boxer was crowned titleholder in 2016 prior to he was defeated for his championship belt via unanimous decision to Anthony Joshua at the Millennium Stadium two years later.
The fighter has been an active participant in the UK from that point, competing in eight bouts altogether on UK territory and transferring to the Irish capital for preparation under esteemed mentor Andy Lee during this period.
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Guided by Lee, Parker overcame the 2022 setback against Joe Joyce to secure a string of victories positioning him at the front of the line to face Usyk prior to he suffered defeat to Wardley.
Subsequent to Parker returned a positive test during the Wardley bout, reportedly for cocaine, an investigation regarding the results has commenced.
- The boxer failed a drug test for a prohibited substance.
- The test was conducted by Vada on October 25th.
- The fighter could receive disciplinary action from the sport.
- His representatives released a statement addressing the failed examination.
- A formal inquiry has been underway regarding the case.
