Joseph Parker Confronts Potential Ban After Positive Drugs Test
The New Zealand heavyweight produced a positive sample as part of a anti-doping examination carried out on the day he fought in 11th-round defeat to UK boxer Fabio Wardley.
The Match and Its Stakes
The British boxer together with Parker engaged in an intense encounter held in London last October to establish the next mandatory WBO contender against unified heavyweight titleholder Ukrainian champion Usyk.
Parker was previously next in line to meet the champion after stringing together an impressive six-fight winning streak, but placed his shot at the title on the line in London and endured an 11th-round stoppage.
Positive Test Along with Potential Consequences
An ordinary examination conducted on Parker through the Voluntary Anti-Doping Agency the day of the match came back positive which leaves the 36-year-old with a battle to prove his innocence.
The boxer's representatives issued an announcement declaring: "The agency alerted all required parties that Joseph Parker had a positive result after a doping test administered on the 25th October. As the investigation continues, no additional comment are forthcoming at this time."
Boxing Journey
Joseph Parker became heavyweight champion back in 2016 prior to he was defeated for his WBO belt via unanimous decision versus British star Joshua at the Millennium Stadium 24 months later.
Joseph Parker remained a frequent visitor in the UK after that, having eight matches in total in the UK and moving to the Irish capital for preparation alongside esteemed mentor Andy Lee in recent years.
Recent Developments
Guided by Lee, Joseph Parker bounced back from his 2022 loss to Joe Joyce to achieve multiple wins positioning him front of the queue to meet Usyk until he lost against Wardley.
Following Parker's sample showed a positive test during the Wardley bout, allegedly for cocaine, an investigation into the findings has been started.
- Joseph Parker tested positive for a banned substance.
- The test was administered via the anti-doping agency on the fight day.
- The fighter is confronting disciplinary action from the sport.
- His representatives published a statement confirming the adverse finding.
- A review is currently underway into the matter.
