Boxer Joseph Parker Faces Imminent Ban Following Failed Anti-Doping Test
Former world champion Parker produced a positive sample in a drugs test carried out the very day he fought in 11th-round loss to UK boxer Fabio Wardley.
The Match and Its Stakes
The British boxer along with Joseph Parker engaged in an intense bout held in London in late October to decide the identity of the next in line for the WBO to unified heavyweight titleholder Oleksandr Usyk.
Joseph Parker was previously the primary candidate to challenge Oleksandr Usyk after putting together an impressive six consecutive victories, but risked his contender position in jeopardy in the UK and experienced an 11th-round stoppage.
Adverse Finding and Potential Consequences
A standard screening given to Joseph Parker through Vada the day he fought came back positive and now leaves the 36-year-old in a difficult position to clear his name.
Parker's promotional company released a statement which read: "The anti-doping body notified all required parties that Joseph Parker tested positive following a doping test conducted on the 25th October. During the ongoing inquiry, no more comments will be made currently."
Career Background
The New Zealand boxer became heavyweight champion back in 2016 until he was defeated for his WBO belt via unanimous decision to Anthony Joshua in Wales in 2018.
Parker remained a regular competitor on British soil after that, having eight matches overall on UK territory and transferring to Ireland for fight camps with highly regarded trainer former champion Lee over the past few years.
Current Situation
Coached by Andy Lee, Parker bounced back from his defeat in 2022 to British heavyweight Joyce to secure a string of victories that placed him at the front of the line to meet the champion before he suffered defeat against Wardley.
Subsequent to Parker returned an adverse finding when he fought Wardley, reportedly involving cocaine, an inquiry about the test outcome has been started.
- Parker returned an adverse finding for an illegal substance.
- The examination was conducted by Vada the day of the bout.
- Joseph Parker is confronting a possible suspension from boxing.
- Queensberry published a statement acknowledging the failed examination.
- An investigation is currently in progress about the situation.
