New Zealand's Joseph Parker Faces Potential Ban After Failed Anti-Doping Test
Former world champion Parker returned an adverse finding as part of a anti-doping examination carried out the same day of his 11th-round stoppage to British heavyweight Ipswich-born Wardley.
The Bout and Its Consequences
Wardley and the New Zealander participated in a pulsating bout in London on 25 October to decide the next mandatory WBO contender to unified heavyweight titleholder Oleksandr Usyk.
The fighter had been next in line to face the champion after stringing together a remarkable six-fight winning streak, however put his mandatory challenger status at stake in the UK and endured a stoppage in round eleven.
Positive Test Plus Possible Outcomes
A routine test conducted on Joseph Parker through the anti-doping organization the day of the match showed an adverse result which leaves Parker in a difficult position to demonstrate his cleanliness.
Parker's promotional company issued a communique which read: "Vada notified all relevant parties regarding Joseph Parker had a positive result after a doping test administered on the fight day. As the investigation continues, no more comments are forthcoming currently."
Career Background
Joseph Parker was crowned heavyweight champion back in 2016 before he lost his WBO belt by unanimous decision against Anthony Joshua in Wales two years later.
The fighter became a regular competitor on British soil after that, having eight matches altogether in Britain and moving to Dublin for preparation with esteemed mentor former champion Lee during this period.
Recent Developments
Guided by Lee, Parker overcame his defeat in 2022 against Joe Joyce to chalk up a string of victories that placed him at the front of the line to face the champion before he suffered defeat against Wardley.
After the boxer produced an adverse finding during the Wardley bout, allegedly for cocaine, an inquiry about the test outcome has commenced.
- Joseph Parker tested positive for a banned substance.
- The screening took place through Vada on October 25th.
- Parker could receive a possible suspension from the sport.
- His promotional team has issued a statement acknowledging the adverse finding.
- A formal inquiry is currently in progress into the matter.
