New Zealand's Joseph Parker Could Receive Potential Ban Following Positive Anti-Doping Test
Former world champion Parker tested positive as part of a anti-doping examination conducted the very day of his 11th-round stoppage against British heavyweight Ipswich-born Wardley.
The Bout Along with Its Stakes
Fabio Wardley together with Parker were part of a thrilling encounter staged in the UK capital last October to establish the next WBO mandatory challenger against reigning heavyweight king Ukrainian champion Usyk.
The fighter was previously the primary candidate to meet Usyk following stringing together an impressive six consecutive victories, however put his contender position in jeopardy in London and endured an 11th-round defeat.
Positive Test Plus Possible Outcomes
A standard screening administered to Joseph Parker via the anti-doping organization the day of the match came back positive which leaves the veteran boxer in a difficult position to demonstrate his cleanliness.
His promotion team released a communique which read: "The agency informed all relevant parties that Joseph Parker had a positive result subsequent to an anti-doping test conducted on October 25th. As the investigation continues, no further statements are planned for now."
Career Background
Joseph Parker was crowned heavyweight champion back in 2016 prior to he surrendered the WBO title through a points decision versus Anthony Joshua at the Millennium Stadium two years later.
The fighter became a regular competitor across the United Kingdom after that, fighting eight times altogether in the UK and moving to Dublin for training camps alongside highly regarded trainer former champion Lee over the past few years.
Recent Developments
Guided by Lee, Joseph Parker overcame the 2022 setback against Joe Joyce to achieve a string of victories positioning him as the top contender to face Oleksandr Usyk prior to he suffered defeat against Wardley.
Subsequent to the boxer produced a failed test on the day of the Wardley fight, reportedly for cocaine, an investigation about the test outcome has commenced.
- Parker failed a drug test for an illegal substance.
- The test was conducted by Vada the day of the bout.
- Joseph Parker could receive disciplinary action from competition.
- His promotional team published an announcement acknowledging the adverse finding.
- A review is now in progress about the situation.
