Joseph Parker Faces Possible Ban Due to Positive Doping Test
The New Zealand heavyweight returned an adverse finding during a anti-doping examination administered the very day of his 11th-round loss to British heavyweight Fabio Wardley.
The Match Plus the Stakes
Fabio Wardley along with Joseph Parker participated in a thrilling encounter staged in the UK capital on 25 October to determine the identity of the WBO mandatory challenger facing undisputed world heavyweight champion Ukrainian champion Usyk.
Joseph Parker had positioned himself as next in line to meet the champion after putting together a notable six consecutive victories, however put his contender position on the line in London and experienced a stoppage in round eleven.
Failed Examination and Potential Consequences
A standard screening conducted on Parker via Vada the day of the match showed an adverse result and now leaves the 36-year-old with a battle to demonstrate his cleanliness.
His promotion team released an announcement stating: "Vada alerted all required parties that Joseph Parker returned an adverse finding after an anti-doping test carried out on the fight day. During the ongoing inquiry, no more comments are planned currently."
Boxing Journey
Joseph Parker was crowned world champion six years ago until he was defeated for the WBO title through a points decision to Anthony Joshua in Cardiff 24 months later.
The fighter has been a regular competitor on British soil since then, competing in eight bouts in total in the UK and moving to the Irish capital for training camps alongside respected coach Andy Lee over the past few years.
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Coached by Andy Lee, the boxer bounced back from the 2022 setback versus Joe Joyce to secure multiple wins positioning him as the top contender to challenge Oleksandr Usyk until he was defeated against Wardley.
After the boxer produced a positive test when he fought Wardley, allegedly for cocaine, a probe regarding the results is underway.
- The boxer tested positive for a banned substance.
- The examination was conducted via the anti-doping agency on the fight day.
- Parker could receive a possible suspension from boxing.
- His representatives published an announcement acknowledging the positive test.
- A review has been in progress about the situation.
