New Zealand's Joseph Parker Could Receive Potential Suspension Due to Failed Drugs Test
The New Zealand heavyweight produced a positive sample as part of a drugs test administered the same day he fought in 11th-round defeat against UK boxer Fabio Wardley.
The Bout and Its Consequences
Fabio Wardley along with Parker engaged in an intense encounter held in London last October to decide who would become WBO mandatory challenger to undisputed world heavyweight champion Oleksandr Usyk.
Joseph Parker had been the leading contender to face the champion subsequent to stringing together an impressive six wins in a row, yet placed his contender position in jeopardy during the bout and experienced an 11th-round stoppage.
Adverse Finding Plus Potential Consequences
An ordinary examination administered to Parker through the Voluntary Anti-Doping Agency on the day of the bout returned positive and leaves the veteran boxer in a difficult position to clear his name.
His promotion team published a communique which read: "The agency notified all required parties regarding Joseph Parker tested positive subsequent to a drug screening conducted on the fight day. As the investigation continues, no further statements will be made currently."
Boxing Journey
Parker was crowned heavyweight champion back in 2016 before he surrendered his WBO belt through a points decision against British star Joshua at the Millennium Stadium 24 months later.
Parker remained an active participant across the United Kingdom from that point, fighting eight times altogether in Britain and relocating to the Irish capital for training camps under highly regarded trainer Andy Lee over the past few years.
Current Situation
Under the tutelage of Lee, Joseph Parker recovered from the 2022 setback to British heavyweight Joyce to chalk up a string of victories which put him at the front of the line to face Oleksandr Usyk before he lost to the British fighter.
Following the boxer produced an adverse finding when he fought Wardley, reportedly for cocaine, an inquiry about the test outcome has been started.
- The boxer tested positive for a prohibited substance.
- The examination took place through Vada on the fight day.
- Joseph Parker could receive disciplinary action from competition.
- Queensberry published a statement confirming the positive test.
- An investigation is now ongoing regarding the case.
