Joseph Parker Faces Imminent Suspension After Positive Anti-Doping Test
The New Zealand heavyweight returned an adverse finding during a anti-doping examination conducted the very day he faced 11th-round stoppage versus English fighter Ipswich-born Wardley.
The Match and Its Stakes
Fabio Wardley together with the New Zealander engaged in a pulsating contest staged in the UK capital in late October to determine the identity of the next in line for the WBO to undisputed world heavyweight champion Ukrainian champion Usyk.
Joseph Parker had been next in line to challenge Oleksandr Usyk subsequent to compiling an impressive six wins in a row, yet put his contender position on the line in the UK and endured a stoppage in round eleven.
Adverse Finding Plus Possible Outcomes
A standard screening given to the boxer through the Voluntary Anti-Doping Agency on the day of the bout returned positive and leaves the veteran boxer with a battle to demonstrate his cleanliness.
The boxer's representatives released an announcement which read: "The anti-doping body alerted all relevant parties about Parker tested positive after a drug screening carried out on the fight day. While the matter is investigated, no further statements are planned currently."
Career Background
Joseph Parker was crowned world champion six years ago before he was defeated for his championship belt through a points decision against British star Joshua in Cardiff two years later.
Parker remained a frequent visitor across the United Kingdom after that, fighting eight times in total on UK territory and moving to Ireland for preparation under esteemed mentor Andy Lee during this period.
Recent Developments
Guided by Lee, Parker bounced back from his defeat in 2022 against Joe Joyce to chalk up several successes which put him as the top contender to face Oleksandr Usyk until he lost to the British fighter.
Subsequent to Parker returned a failed test during the Wardley bout, reportedly involving cocaine, a probe regarding the results is underway.
- The boxer returned an adverse finding for a prohibited substance.
- The screening was conducted through Vada the day of the bout.
- Parker is confronting a potential ban from the sport.
- Queensberry released a comment addressing the adverse finding.
- An investigation is now underway into the matter.
