New Zealand's Joseph Parker Could Receive Possible Ban Due to Failed Doping Test
Joseph Parker produced a positive sample during a doping test carried out the very day of his 11th-round stoppage versus UK boxer Fabio Wardley.
The Bout Plus the Implications
Fabio Wardley and Joseph Parker were part of an intense encounter in London last October to determine the identity of the WBO mandatory challenger to undisputed world heavyweight champion Oleksandr Usyk.
Joseph Parker was previously the primary candidate to challenge Usyk following stringing together a remarkable six-fight winning streak, yet placed his contender position at stake during the bout and experienced an 11th-round stoppage.
Adverse Finding and Possible Outcomes
A standard screening administered to Parker via the anti-doping organization the day he fought returned positive and leaves the 36-year-old with a battle to clear his name.
Parker's promotional company published a communique declaring: "Vada alerted all relevant parties regarding Joseph Parker returned an adverse finding following a doping test conducted on the 25th October. While the matter is investigated, no more comments are planned for now."
Professional History
Joseph Parker earned the title of heavyweight champion back in 2016 until he was defeated for his WBO belt by unanimous decision versus Anthony Joshua in Cardiff two years later.
Joseph Parker remained a regular competitor across the United Kingdom after that, fighting eight times in total on UK territory and relocating to the Irish capital for training camps with respected coach Andy Lee in recent years.
Current Situation
Guided by Lee, Joseph Parker bounced back from the 2022 setback against British heavyweight Joyce to secure multiple wins which put him as the top contender to challenge Oleksandr Usyk until he lost against Wardley.
After Parker returned an adverse finding on the day of the Wardley fight, reportedly for cocaine, an inquiry about the test outcome is underway.
- Joseph Parker tested positive for a banned substance.
- The examination was administered by Vada the day of the bout.
- Parker could receive disciplinary action from competition.
- His promotional team has issued a statement addressing the adverse finding.
- A review is currently underway about the situation.
