Boxer Joseph Parker Faces Possible Ban After Failed Anti-Doping Test
The New Zealand heavyweight returned an adverse finding in a doping test carried out the same day he faced 11th-round stoppage against English fighter Fabio Wardley.
The Fight Plus the Implications
Wardley along with Joseph Parker were part of an intense encounter in London last October to establish the next next in line for the WBO to undisputed world heavyweight champion Ukrainian champion Usyk.
Joseph Parker had positioned himself as the primary candidate to challenge Oleksandr Usyk subsequent to putting together an impressive six wins in a row, yet put his shot at the title on the line in London and experienced an 11th-round stoppage.
Adverse Finding Along with Possible Outcomes
An ordinary examination given to Joseph Parker through the Voluntary Anti-Doping Agency the day he fought showed an adverse result and now leaves Parker with a battle to clear his name.
Parker's promotional company released a communique stating: "The agency alerted everyone involved that Joseph Parker returned an adverse finding after a doping test administered on the fight day. While the matter is investigated, no further statements will be made currently."
Professional History
Parker was crowned heavyweight champion in 2016 prior to he surrendered his championship belt via unanimous decision against Anthony Joshua at the Millennium Stadium in 2018.
Joseph Parker remained a frequent visitor across the United Kingdom after that, competing in eight bouts in total in the UK and transferring to Dublin for training camps with highly regarded trainer former champion Lee in recent years.
Latest Events
Coached by Andy Lee, Joseph Parker recovered from the 2022 setback against Joe Joyce to secure multiple wins which put him as the top contender to face Usyk prior to he suffered defeat to the British fighter.
Subsequent to Parker returned a failed test during the Wardley bout, reportedly for cocaine, an investigation about the test outcome has been started.
- Parker tested positive for an illegal substance.
- The screening was conducted through Vada on the fight day.
- The fighter could receive disciplinary action from competition.
- Queensberry released a comment confirming the failed examination.
- A formal inquiry is currently in progress into the matter.
