Boxer Joseph Parker Could Receive Imminent Ban Due to Positive Drugs Test
Joseph Parker tested positive as part of a doping test administered the very day he faced 11th-round defeat against English fighter Fabio Wardley.
The Fight and Its Consequences
Wardley together with Joseph Parker were part of a thrilling contest staged in the UK capital in late October to establish who would become mandatory WBO contender facing reigning heavyweight king Oleksandr Usyk.
The fighter had been next in line to challenge Oleksandr Usyk after compiling a remarkable six wins in a row, but placed his shot at the title in jeopardy during the bout and suffered an 11th-round defeat.
Failed Examination Along with Potential Consequences
A standard screening administered to Joseph Parker through Vada the day he fought came back positive and leaves the veteran boxer facing a challenge to prove his innocence.
His promotion team released a communique declaring: "Vada informed everyone involved that Joseph Parker had a positive result subsequent to an anti-doping test conducted on October 25th. As the investigation continues, no further statements are forthcoming currently."
Professional History
The New Zealand boxer earned the title of heavyweight champion in 2016 until he surrendered his WBO belt via unanimous decision to Anthony Joshua at the Millennium Stadium in 2018.
The fighter remained a regular competitor on British soil from that point, fighting eight times in total in the UK and transferring to the Irish capital for preparation alongside highly regarded trainer Andy Lee over the past few years.
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Coached by Andy Lee, Parker overcame his 2022 loss against British heavyweight Joyce to achieve a string of victories positioning him as the top contender to face the champion prior to he lost against Wardley.
Following the boxer produced a positive test during the Wardley bout, reportedly involving cocaine, an investigation regarding the results has been started.
- Parker tested positive for a banned substance.
- The screening was conducted through Vada on October 25th.
- Parker is confronting a possible suspension from boxing.
- His promotional team released a comment confirming the failed examination.
- An investigation is currently in progress about the situation.
