Boxer Joseph Parker Could Receive Imminent Ban After Failed Drugs Test
The New Zealand heavyweight tested positive during a drugs test carried out the same day of his 11th-round loss to British heavyweight Fabio Wardley.
The Match Along with Its Consequences
The British boxer and Parker participated in a thrilling encounter held in London on 25 October to decide the next mandatory WBO contender against reigning heavyweight king Oleksandr Usyk.
Parker had positioned himself as the primary candidate to face the champion after putting together a remarkable six consecutive victories, but put his shot at the title on the line during the bout and endured a stoppage in round eleven.
Adverse Finding Plus Potential Consequences
A standard screening conducted on Parker via the anti-doping organization the day he fought returned positive and leaves Parker in a difficult position to demonstrate his cleanliness.
The boxer's representatives published a statement which read: "The agency notified everyone involved regarding Joseph Parker returned an adverse finding after a drug screening carried out on the fight day. During the ongoing inquiry, no further statements will be made currently."
Boxing Journey
The New Zealand boxer earned the title of heavyweight champion in 2016 until he lost the WBO title via unanimous decision against Anthony Joshua at the Millennium Stadium two years later.
Joseph Parker became a frequent visitor on British soil since then, fighting eight times altogether on UK territory and moving to Ireland for preparation alongside respected coach Andy Lee over the past few years.
Current Situation
Under the tutelage of Lee, Parker overcame the 2022 setback versus Joe Joyce to achieve multiple wins which put him front of the queue to meet Usyk before he was defeated against Wardley.
Subsequent to Parker's sample showed a failed test when he fought Wardley, reportedly involving cocaine, an inquiry into the findings has commenced.
- Joseph Parker failed a drug test for an illegal substance.
- The test was administered via the anti-doping agency the day of the bout.
- Parker could receive disciplinary action from competition.
- His promotional team has issued an announcement confirming the adverse finding.
- A review has been in progress about the situation.
