New Zealand's Joseph Parker Faces Imminent Suspension Due to Positive Drugs Test
The New Zealand heavyweight produced a positive sample during a doping test administered the same day he faced 11th-round stoppage to UK boxer Ipswich-born Wardley.
The Fight Plus the Implications
Fabio Wardley along with Joseph Parker were part of a thrilling encounter held in London last October to establish the identity of the next in line for the WBO facing undisputed world heavyweight champion Ukrainian champion Usyk.
Parker was previously the primary candidate to challenge Oleksandr Usyk after stringing together an impressive six consecutive victories, but put his mandatory challenger status in jeopardy during the bout and experienced an 11th-round defeat.
Positive Test and Possible Outcomes
An ordinary examination given to Parker through the anti-doping organization on the day of the bout showed an adverse result and now leaves the veteran boxer with a battle to demonstrate his cleanliness.
His promotion team published a communique declaring: "Vada informed all relevant parties that Joseph Parker had a positive result after a doping test carried out on October 25th. During the ongoing inquiry, no more comments will be made at this time."
Boxing Journey
The New Zealand boxer was crowned world champion in 2016 before he surrendered the WBO title by unanimous decision to British star Joshua in Wales in 2018.
Joseph Parker has been a regular competitor on British soil after that, having eight matches altogether in Britain and transferring to Dublin for training camps under esteemed mentor Andy Lee over the past few years.
Recent Developments
Coached by Andy Lee, Joseph Parker bounced back from the 2022 setback against Joe Joyce to chalk up several successes that placed him front of the queue to challenge the champion until he lost to the British fighter.
Subsequent to Parker returned an adverse finding during the Wardley bout, reportedly for cocaine, an inquiry regarding the results has commenced.
- The boxer tested positive for a prohibited substance.
- The examination was administered through Vada the day of the bout.
- Parker is confronting disciplinary action from the sport.
- His promotional team has issued a comment confirming the adverse finding.
- A review is now ongoing regarding the case.
