Joseph Parker Faces Potential Ban Due to Positive Drugs Test
Joseph Parker produced a positive sample as part of a doping test carried out the very day he faced 11th-round stoppage versus UK boxer Fabio Wardley.
The Fight and Its Consequences
The British boxer together with Joseph Parker participated in a thrilling bout staged in the UK capital in late October to establish who would become mandatory WBO contender to unified heavyweight titleholder Ukrainian champion Usyk.
The fighter had been next in line to face Oleksandr Usyk following compiling an impressive six wins in a row, but risked his mandatory challenger status in jeopardy in London and experienced an 11th-round stoppage.
Adverse Finding Plus Implications
An ordinary examination given to Joseph Parker by the Voluntary Anti-Doping Agency the day he fought showed an adverse result and leaves the 36-year-old with a battle to prove his innocence.
His promotion team published a statement which read: "The anti-doping body alerted all required parties about Parker tested positive after a drug screening carried out on the fight day. While the matter is investigated, no more comments are planned at this time."
Career Background
Parker became world champion back in 2016 before he lost the WBO title through a points decision versus Anthony Joshua in Cardiff in 2018.
Joseph Parker remained a frequent visitor in the UK since then, having eight matches altogether in Britain and moving to Dublin for training camps alongside respected coach former champion Lee over the past few years.
Current Situation
Guided by Lee, Joseph Parker overcame his 2022 loss to Joe Joyce to secure multiple wins positioning him as the top contender to face the champion before he suffered defeat to the British fighter.
Following the boxer produced a positive test on the day of the Wardley fight, allegedly for cocaine, a probe regarding the results has commenced.
- Parker returned an adverse finding for a banned substance.
- The examination took place through Vada the day of the bout.
- The fighter is confronting disciplinary action from boxing.
- His representatives released an announcement acknowledging the positive test.
- An investigation is now underway into the matter.
