New Zealand's Joseph Parker Faces Imminent Ban Due to Positive Doping Test
The New Zealand heavyweight returned an adverse finding as part of a anti-doping examination administered on the day he fought in 11th-round loss to UK boxer Fabio Wardley.
The Match Along with Its Stakes
The British boxer together with Joseph Parker were part of an intense contest held in London last October to determine the identity of the next in line for the WBO against undisputed world heavyweight champion Oleksandr Usyk.
Parker had positioned himself as next in line to meet the champion subsequent to compiling a remarkable six-fight winning streak, however placed his shot at the title at stake in the UK and endured an 11th-round defeat.
Failed Examination Plus Implications
An ordinary examination given to Parker via the Voluntary Anti-Doping Agency the day of the match returned positive and now leaves the veteran boxer in a difficult position to demonstrate his cleanliness.
The boxer's representatives issued a statement stating: "Vada alerted everyone involved regarding Joseph Parker tested positive after a doping test conducted on October 25th. As the investigation continues, no further statements are forthcoming at this time."
Boxing Journey
The New Zealand boxer was crowned titleholder six years ago until he surrendered his championship belt via unanimous decision against Anthony Joshua at the Millennium Stadium two years later.
Parker remained a frequent visitor across the United Kingdom after that, competing in eight bouts altogether on UK territory and relocating to Dublin for preparation under highly regarded trainer former champion Lee in recent years.
Recent Developments
Coached by Andy Lee, Joseph Parker overcame his defeat in 2022 against Joe Joyce to secure multiple wins positioning him at the front of the line to meet Oleksandr Usyk prior to he lost to the British fighter.
After Parker returned a failed test when he fought Wardley, reportedly for cocaine, a probe regarding the results has commenced.
- Parker returned an adverse finding for a prohibited substance.
- The screening was administered through Vada on October 25th.
- Joseph Parker now faces disciplinary action from boxing.
- Queensberry has issued a comment confirming the adverse finding.
- A review has been in progress into the matter.
