Boxer Joseph Parker Faces Imminent Ban After Positive Doping Test
The New Zealand heavyweight tested positive during a anti-doping examination carried out the same day he faced 11th-round loss against English fighter Fabio Wardley.
The Fight Plus the Stakes
Fabio Wardley and the New Zealander participated in a thrilling contest held in London last October to decide the identity of the mandatory WBO contender to undisputed world heavyweight champion Ukrainian champion Usyk.
The fighter had positioned himself as the primary candidate to challenge Oleksandr Usyk after putting together a remarkable six wins in a row, yet placed his shot at the title on the line during the bout and experienced an 11th-round stoppage.
Failed Examination Along with Implications
An ordinary examination given to Parker via the Voluntary Anti-Doping Agency the day of the match showed an adverse result and leaves the 36-year-old with a battle to prove his innocence.
His promotion team published a communique stating: "Vada alerted all relevant parties about Parker tested positive following a doping test carried out on the fight day. While the matter is investigated, no further statements are forthcoming for now."
Professional History
The New Zealand boxer became heavyweight champion in 2016 before he lost the WBO title by unanimous decision against Anthony Joshua at the Millennium Stadium in 2018.
Parker remained a frequent visitor across the United Kingdom since then, fighting eight times in total in Britain and transferring to Ireland for training camps alongside esteemed mentor Andy Lee in recent years.
Latest Events
Under the tutelage of Lee, Joseph Parker recovered from his 2022 loss versus Joe Joyce to secure a string of victories that placed him front of the queue to meet Usyk before he suffered defeat to the British fighter.
Following Parker's sample showed a failed test on the day of the Wardley fight, allegedly for cocaine, a probe into the findings has commenced.
- Joseph Parker tested positive for a prohibited substance.
- The test was administered via the anti-doping agency on the fight day.
- Joseph Parker is confronting a potential ban from the sport.
- Queensberry released a comment acknowledging the positive test.
- A formal inquiry has been in progress into the matter.
