New Zealand's Joseph Parker Faces Possible Ban Following Failed Anti-Doping Test
Former world champion Parker tested positive during a anti-doping examination carried out the same day he fought in 11th-round defeat versus English fighter Fabio Wardley.
The Fight Plus the Consequences
The British boxer and the New Zealander engaged in an intense bout in London on 25 October to determine the identity of the WBO mandatory challenger to unified heavyweight titleholder Oleksandr Usyk.
Parker had positioned himself as the primary candidate to challenge Oleksandr Usyk subsequent to compiling an impressive six consecutive victories, however put his contender position on the line during the bout and suffered an 11th-round defeat.
Adverse Finding Plus Implications
An ordinary examination given to the boxer by the anti-doping organization on the day of the bout showed an adverse result which leaves Parker with a battle to demonstrate his cleanliness.
Parker's promotional company published an announcement declaring: "The anti-doping body notified everyone involved regarding Joseph Parker had a positive result after a doping test conducted on the 25th October. During the ongoing inquiry, no additional comment will be made for now."
Professional History
The New Zealand boxer earned the title of heavyweight champion six years ago until he was defeated for the WBO title through a points decision against British star Joshua in Cardiff in 2018.
Parker became an active participant in the UK after that, fighting eight times overall on UK territory and relocating to the Irish capital for fight camps alongside esteemed mentor Andy Lee during this period.
Latest Events
Coached by Andy Lee, the boxer bounced back from his 2022 loss against Joe Joyce to chalk up several successes which put him as the top contender to challenge Usyk before he was defeated against Wardley.
Following Parker returned a positive test on the day of the Wardley fight, reportedly involving cocaine, a probe regarding the results has commenced.
- Parker failed a drug test for an illegal substance.
- The examination was conducted by Vada on October 25th.
- Joseph Parker is confronting a potential ban from boxing.
- His representatives released a comment addressing the adverse finding.
- A formal inquiry is currently in progress into the matter.
