Joseph Parker Faces Imminent Ban After Positive Drugs Test
The New Zealand heavyweight tested positive during a anti-doping examination administered the same day he faced 11th-round stoppage against English fighter Ipswich-born Wardley.
The Match Along with Its Consequences
Fabio Wardley and Parker participated in an intense contest held in London on 25 October to establish the next WBO mandatory challenger against reigning heavyweight king Oleksandr Usyk.
Parker was previously next in line to face Usyk following stringing together an impressive six consecutive victories, however put his mandatory challenger status on the line during the bout and experienced an 11th-round stoppage.
Failed Examination Plus Possible Outcomes
An ordinary examination administered to the boxer via the anti-doping organization the day he fought returned positive and now leaves the 36-year-old facing a challenge to demonstrate his cleanliness.
His promotion team issued a communique declaring: "Vada alerted all relevant parties that Joseph Parker returned an adverse finding after a doping test administered on the fight day. During the ongoing inquiry, no additional comment are planned at this time."
Career Background
The New Zealand boxer was crowned heavyweight champion in 2016 prior to he lost his WBO belt through a points decision versus British star Joshua in Wales in 2018.
Parker became an active participant on British soil after that, competing in eight bouts in total on UK territory and transferring to Ireland for fight camps under esteemed mentor Andy Lee over the past few years.
Recent Developments
Coached by Andy Lee, Parker recovered from his 2022 loss versus Joe Joyce to secure several successes which put him front of the queue to face the champion before he suffered defeat against Wardley.
Following Parker returned a positive test when he fought Wardley, reportedly for cocaine, a probe about the test outcome has commenced.
- The boxer returned an adverse finding for a banned substance.
- The test was administered via the anti-doping agency the day of the bout.
- Parker now faces disciplinary action from competition.
- Queensberry published a statement confirming the failed examination.
- An investigation has been ongoing regarding the case.
