Boxer Joseph Parker Could Receive Potential Suspension After Failed Doping Test
The New Zealand heavyweight tested positive during a drugs test carried out the very day of his 11th-round defeat against British heavyweight Fabio Wardley.
The Bout Plus the Implications
Wardley together with the New Zealander engaged in a pulsating encounter in London last October to establish who would become mandatory WBO contender to unified heavyweight titleholder Oleksandr Usyk.
Parker had been the primary candidate to face Usyk subsequent to putting together an impressive six consecutive victories, however risked his mandatory challenger status in jeopardy during the bout and experienced a stoppage in round eleven.
Positive Test Along with Implications
An ordinary examination conducted on Parker by Vada the day he fought showed an adverse result and now leaves Parker facing a challenge to prove his innocence.
The boxer's representatives released a communique which read: "Vada informed all relevant parties that Joseph Parker tested positive following a doping test administered on October 25th. While the matter is investigated, no more comments will be made for now."
Boxing Journey
Parker earned the title of titleholder six years ago prior to he was defeated for his WBO belt by unanimous decision to Anthony Joshua in Wales 24 months later.
Parker has been a regular competitor on British soil after that, competing in eight bouts in total on UK territory and transferring to Dublin for fight camps with highly regarded trainer Andy Lee over the past few years.
Latest Events
Under the tutelage of Lee, Joseph Parker recovered from the 2022 setback versus British heavyweight Joyce to chalk up a string of victories positioning him as the top contender to meet the champion until he lost against Wardley.
Subsequent to Parker's sample showed a positive test during the Wardley bout, reportedly for cocaine, a probe about the test outcome has commenced.
- The boxer tested positive for a prohibited substance.
- The screening was administered through Vada the day of the bout.
- The fighter now faces a potential ban from the sport.
- His promotional team has issued a statement addressing the positive test.
- A formal inquiry has been underway into the matter.
