New Zealand's Joseph Parker Confronts Imminent Suspension Due to Positive Anti-Doping Test
The New Zealand heavyweight produced a positive sample during a doping test administered the very day of his 11th-round stoppage versus English fighter Fabio Wardley.
The Fight Plus the Stakes
Wardley together with the New Zealander were part of an intense bout staged in the UK capital on 25 October to establish the next WBO mandatory challenger facing reigning heavyweight king Ukrainian champion Usyk.
Parker had positioned himself as the primary candidate to face the champion after putting together an impressive six consecutive victories, yet placed his mandatory challenger status on the line in London and experienced an 11th-round stoppage.
Positive Test Along with Possible Outcomes
An ordinary examination conducted on Parker through the Voluntary Anti-Doping Agency on the day of the bout came back positive which leaves Parker in a difficult position to clear his name.
His promotion team published an announcement which read: "The anti-doping body informed everyone involved regarding 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
Parker earned the title of world champion in 2016 until he surrendered his WBO belt by unanimous decision to Anthony Joshua in Wales in 2018.
Joseph Parker became an active participant in the UK from that point, having eight matches altogether on UK territory and transferring to the Irish capital for fight camps under highly regarded trainer Andy Lee in recent years.
Latest Events
Guided by Lee, Joseph Parker bounced back from his defeat in 2022 to Joe Joyce to chalk up a string of victories that placed him as the top contender to challenge Usyk before he was defeated to Wardley.
Following Parker's sample showed a positive test on the day of the Wardley fight, allegedly for cocaine, an inquiry about the test outcome is underway.
- The boxer failed a drug test for a prohibited substance.
- The examination was conducted by Vada on the fight day.
- Joseph Parker is confronting a potential ban from boxing.
- His representatives released an announcement acknowledging the positive test.
- A review is now ongoing regarding the case.
