New Zealand's Joseph Parker Faces Potential Ban Following Failed Anti-Doping Test
Former world champion Parker returned an adverse finding as part of a doping test administered on the day he faced 11th-round defeat to British heavyweight Fabio Wardley.
The Match Along with Its Consequences
Fabio Wardley and Joseph Parker participated in a pulsating bout in London in late October to decide who would become mandatory WBO contender facing reigning heavyweight king Ukrainian champion Usyk.
Parker had been the primary candidate to meet Oleksandr Usyk following stringing together a notable six-fight winning streak, however risked his contender position at stake during the bout and endured an 11th-round stoppage.
Positive Test Plus Possible Outcomes
An ordinary examination given to Parker by the Voluntary Anti-Doping Agency the day of the match returned positive which leaves the veteran boxer facing a challenge to prove his innocence.
The boxer's representatives published a statement which read: "The anti-doping body informed everyone involved regarding Joseph Parker returned an adverse finding following a doping test administered on October 25th. While the matter is investigated, no further statements will be made for now."
Boxing Journey
Parker was crowned titleholder back in 2016 before he surrendered his championship belt through a points decision against Anthony Joshua at the Millennium Stadium in 2018.
Joseph Parker remained a frequent visitor on British soil since then, having eight matches in total in the UK and relocating to Ireland for training camps with highly regarded trainer Andy Lee over the past few years.
Recent Developments
Coached by Andy Lee, Joseph Parker recovered from the 2022 setback against Joe Joyce to achieve several successes that placed him at the front of the line to challenge the champion until he was defeated against Wardley.
Following Parker returned a failed test during the Wardley bout, reportedly for cocaine, an inquiry about the test outcome has been started.
- Parker returned an adverse finding for a banned substance.
- The screening was conducted through Vada the day of the bout.
- The fighter could receive a potential ban from boxing.
- His representatives has issued an announcement confirming the adverse finding.
- A review is now in progress into the matter.
