New Zealand's Joseph Parker Confronts Potential Suspension After Positive Anti-Doping Test
Former world champion Parker produced a positive sample in a drugs test conducted the same day he faced 11th-round stoppage against English fighter Fabio Wardley.
The Fight Plus the Stakes
Fabio Wardley and the New Zealander were part of a pulsating contest in London last October to determine the identity of the mandatory WBO contender to reigning heavyweight king Oleksandr Usyk.
Joseph Parker had positioned himself as the primary candidate to face the champion after compiling a notable six-fight winning streak, however risked his contender position at stake in London and experienced a stoppage in round eleven.
Positive Test Plus Possible Outcomes
A standard screening given to Joseph Parker through the Voluntary Anti-Doping Agency the day of the match returned positive which leaves Parker in a difficult position to prove his innocence.
Parker's promotional company released an announcement declaring: "The anti-doping body informed everyone involved that Joseph Parker returned an adverse finding subsequent to a doping test administered on October 25th. While the matter is investigated, no more comments are forthcoming at this time."
Boxing Journey
The New Zealand boxer became world champion six years ago until he was defeated for his championship belt via unanimous decision against British star Joshua at the Millennium Stadium two years later.
The fighter became an active participant across the United Kingdom from that point, competing in eight bouts in total in the UK and transferring to the Irish capital for preparation under highly regarded trainer Andy Lee in recent years.
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Under the tutelage of Lee, the boxer overcame his 2022 loss against Joe Joyce to chalk up multiple wins positioning him front of the queue to challenge the champion until he was defeated to Wardley.
Subsequent to Parker returned an adverse finding during the Wardley bout, reportedly for cocaine, a probe about the test outcome is underway.
- The boxer failed a drug test for a prohibited substance.
- The screening took place via the anti-doping agency on the fight day.
- Parker could receive disciplinary action from the sport.
- His promotional team published a comment confirming the positive test.
- An investigation is now ongoing regarding the case.
