New Zealand's Joseph Parker Could Receive Imminent Suspension After Failed Anti-Doping Test
Former world champion Parker returned an adverse finding during a anti-doping examination conducted the same day he fought in 11th-round loss versus UK boxer Fabio Wardley.
The Match Plus the Consequences
Fabio Wardley together with Parker were part of an intense bout held in London on 25 October to establish the identity of the mandatory WBO contender to undisputed world heavyweight champion Oleksandr Usyk.
The fighter had been the leading contender to challenge Usyk subsequent to compiling an impressive six wins in a row, yet placed his contender position at stake in London and suffered an 11th-round stoppage.
Failed Examination Plus Implications
A routine test conducted on Parker by the Voluntary Anti-Doping Agency the day he fought showed an adverse result and leaves Parker facing a challenge to clear his name.
His promotion team issued a statement declaring: "Vada notified all relevant parties about Parker had a positive result subsequent to a drug screening administered on October 25th. During the ongoing inquiry, no additional comment are forthcoming currently."
Career Background
Joseph Parker was crowned world champion in 2016 prior to he was defeated for his WBO belt through a points decision against British star Joshua in Wales 24 months later.
The fighter became an active participant on British soil after that, competing in eight bouts altogether in the UK and transferring to Dublin for preparation under highly regarded trainer former champion Lee in recent years.
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Guided by Lee, the boxer overcame the 2022 setback against Joe Joyce to chalk up a string of victories positioning him at the front of the line to meet Oleksandr Usyk until he lost to Wardley.
Following the boxer produced a failed test on the day of the Wardley fight, allegedly for cocaine, an inquiry into the findings has commenced.
- The boxer tested positive for a prohibited substance.
- The test took place through Vada on October 25th.
- The fighter is confronting a potential ban from competition.
- Queensberry published a statement confirming the positive test.
- A formal inquiry is now ongoing into the matter.
