New Zealand's Joseph Parker Confronts Imminent Suspension After Positive Drugs Test
The New Zealand heavyweight returned an adverse finding as part of a anti-doping examination conducted the same day he faced 11th-round stoppage to British heavyweight Fabio Wardley.
The Bout Plus the Consequences
The British boxer and Parker were part of an intense contest held in London last October to decide who would become next in line for the WBO to unified heavyweight titleholder Oleksandr Usyk.
The fighter had been the leading contender to face Oleksandr Usyk following stringing together a remarkable six consecutive victories, but put his shot at the title at stake in the UK and experienced an 11th-round defeat.
Failed Examination Along with Implications
A routine test conducted on the boxer via the Voluntary Anti-Doping Agency the day he fought came back positive and leaves the 36-year-old in a difficult position to demonstrate his cleanliness.
The boxer's representatives released a communique which read: "Vada alerted all required parties that Joseph Parker returned an adverse finding following an anti-doping test conducted on October 25th. As the investigation continues, no more comments are planned currently."
Professional History
Parker earned the title of world champion in 2016 before he surrendered the WBO title via unanimous decision against Anthony Joshua at the Millennium Stadium 24 months later.
The fighter became an active participant across the United Kingdom since then, competing in eight bouts overall in the UK and relocating to Dublin for preparation with highly regarded trainer Andy Lee in recent years.
Current Situation
Guided by Lee, the boxer recovered from the 2022 setback to Joe Joyce to achieve several successes which put him front of the queue to meet Oleksandr Usyk prior to he suffered defeat to Wardley.
After Parker returned a positive test on the day of the Wardley fight, allegedly for cocaine, an investigation regarding the results has commenced.
- Parker tested positive for a banned substance.
- The examination was conducted via the anti-doping agency on October 25th.
- Joseph Parker is confronting a potential ban from competition.
- Queensberry has issued an announcement addressing the positive test.
- A formal inquiry has been ongoing about the situation.