New Zealand's Joseph Parker Could Receive Possible Ban After Positive Drugs Test
Former world champion Parker produced a positive sample as part of a drugs test administered the same day of his 11th-round loss against UK boxer Fabio Wardley.
The Fight Plus the Implications
The British boxer along with the New Zealander engaged in an intense bout in London in late October to decide who would become mandatory WBO contender to unified heavyweight titleholder Oleksandr Usyk.
Joseph Parker had positioned himself as the leading contender to challenge Usyk following stringing together a remarkable six-fight winning streak, but put his contender position in jeopardy during the bout and suffered a stoppage in round eleven.
Adverse Finding and Possible Outcomes
A standard screening administered to the boxer through the Voluntary Anti-Doping Agency on the day of the bout showed an adverse result which leaves the veteran boxer in a difficult position to prove his innocence.
Parker's promotional company published an announcement declaring: "The agency informed everyone involved regarding Joseph Parker returned an adverse finding after a drug screening conducted on the fight day. During the ongoing inquiry, no additional comment are forthcoming at this time."
Professional History
Joseph Parker became titleholder six years ago prior to he was defeated for the WBO title by unanimous decision to British star Joshua at the Millennium Stadium 24 months later.
Joseph Parker became a regular competitor across the United Kingdom from that point, fighting eight times overall on UK territory and transferring to the Irish capital for fight camps with esteemed mentor Andy Lee over the past few years.
Current Situation
Coached by Andy Lee, the boxer bounced back from his defeat in 2022 versus Joe Joyce to chalk up several successes positioning him as the top contender to meet Oleksandr Usyk prior to he lost to the British fighter.
Subsequent to Parker's sample showed an adverse finding on the day of the Wardley fight, allegedly for cocaine, a probe into the findings has commenced.
- Joseph Parker tested positive for an illegal substance.
- The test was conducted through Vada the day of the bout.
- The fighter now faces a potential ban from boxing.
- Queensberry has issued an announcement confirming the adverse finding.
- A review is currently in progress about the situation.
