New Zealand's Joseph Parker Could Receive Imminent Ban Due to Failed Anti-Doping Test
Joseph Parker tested positive in a anti-doping examination conducted the same day he faced 11th-round stoppage against British heavyweight Ipswich-born Wardley.
The Bout Plus the Implications
The British boxer and the New Zealander participated in a pulsating encounter in London last October to establish the identity of the next in line for the WBO to unified heavyweight titleholder Oleksandr Usyk.
Parker was previously the primary candidate to challenge the champion after stringing together a notable six-fight winning streak, however risked his mandatory challenger status in jeopardy during the bout and endured an 11th-round stoppage.
Adverse Finding Plus Implications
A routine test conducted on the boxer via the anti-doping organization on the day of the bout returned positive and leaves the 36-year-old with a battle to prove his innocence.
His promotion team issued a communique stating: "Vada informed everyone involved that Joseph Parker had a positive result after a drug screening administered on October 25th. While the matter is investigated, no more comments will be made at this time."
Professional History
The New Zealand boxer earned the title of world champion back in 2016 prior to he surrendered his WBO belt via unanimous decision against British star Joshua in Cardiff two years later.
The fighter has been an active participant across the United Kingdom after that, fighting eight times in total in Britain and transferring to the Irish capital for fight camps with highly regarded trainer Andy Lee during this period.
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Under the tutelage of Lee, the boxer recovered from the 2022 setback against Joe Joyce to achieve multiple wins positioning him front of the queue to challenge the champion prior to he lost to the British fighter.
After the boxer produced a positive test during the Wardley bout, allegedly for cocaine, an investigation about the test outcome has been started.
- The boxer tested positive for an illegal substance.
- The examination took place via the anti-doping agency on October 25th.
- Parker is confronting a potential ban from boxing.
- His promotional team published a statement addressing the failed examination.
- A formal inquiry has been ongoing about the situation.
