Joseph Parker Could Receive Possible Ban Due to Positive Anti-Doping Test
The New Zealand heavyweight produced a positive sample in a anti-doping examination administered the very day of his 11th-round loss to UK boxer Fabio Wardley.
The Bout Along with Its Stakes
The British boxer along with Parker were part of an intense bout held in London on 25 October to determine the next WBO mandatory challenger facing unified heavyweight titleholder Ukrainian champion Usyk.
Parker had positioned himself as next in line to meet Oleksandr Usyk following compiling a notable six consecutive victories, however risked his shot at the title at stake during the bout and endured an 11th-round stoppage.
Adverse Finding Along with Implications
A standard screening conducted on the boxer via the Voluntary Anti-Doping Agency the day he fought returned positive and now leaves Parker facing a challenge to clear his name.
The boxer's representatives published a communique stating: "The agency informed everyone involved that Joseph Parker tested positive after a doping test carried out on the 25th October. As the investigation continues, no more comments will be made currently."
Professional History
Joseph Parker earned the title of titleholder back in 2016 prior to he surrendered the WBO title via unanimous decision against British star Joshua in Wales in 2018.
The fighter remained a frequent visitor across the United Kingdom from that point, fighting eight times altogether in Britain and relocating to Dublin for preparation alongside highly regarded trainer former champion Lee in recent years.
Recent Developments
Under the tutelage of Lee, the boxer bounced back from his 2022 loss to Joe Joyce to achieve a string of victories positioning him at the front of the line to face Oleksandr Usyk until he was defeated to the British fighter.
After Parker's sample showed a positive test when he fought Wardley, allegedly for cocaine, an inquiry about the test outcome has been started.
- Joseph Parker returned an adverse finding for a prohibited substance.
- The test was administered via the anti-doping agency the day of the bout.
- The fighter now faces a potential ban from boxing.
- His representatives released a statement acknowledging the positive test.
- A review is currently ongoing into the matter.