Joseph Parker Faces Potential Ban After Failed Drugs Test
The New Zealand heavyweight tested positive during a doping test administered on the day he faced 11th-round loss to British heavyweight Fabio Wardley.
The Match Plus the Consequences
The British boxer along with Joseph Parker were part of an intense bout held in London on 25 October to establish who would become mandatory WBO contender facing unified heavyweight titleholder Ukrainian champion Usyk.
The fighter had positioned himself as next in line to face Usyk following putting together a notable six wins in a row, but put his shot at the title on the line in the UK and endured a stoppage in round eleven.
Positive Test and Potential Consequences
A routine test administered to Parker through the Voluntary Anti-Doping Agency on the day of the bout showed an adverse result and leaves Parker in a difficult position to clear his name.
His promotion team published a statement stating: "The agency alerted all required parties regarding Joseph Parker tested positive following an anti-doping test conducted on the fight day. During the ongoing inquiry, no further statements will be made currently."
Boxing Journey
Joseph Parker was crowned world champion six years ago until he was defeated for the WBO title through a points decision against British star Joshua at the Millennium Stadium two years later.
Parker has been a regular competitor on British soil from that point, fighting eight times altogether in Britain and transferring to the Irish capital for fight camps with esteemed mentor Andy Lee during this period.
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Under the tutelage of Lee, Parker recovered 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 challenge Usyk prior to he lost to Wardley.
Subsequent to Parker returned a positive test during the Wardley bout, reportedly involving cocaine, an investigation about the test outcome has commenced.
- The boxer failed a drug test for a banned substance.
- The screening was conducted by Vada on October 25th.
- Parker is confronting a possible suspension from the sport.
- Queensberry has issued a comment acknowledging the adverse finding.
- A formal inquiry is currently ongoing about the situation.
