Boxer Joseph Parker Faces Imminent Suspension Following Positive Drugs Test
Joseph Parker produced a positive sample in a anti-doping examination administered the same day he fought in 11th-round stoppage to English fighter Fabio Wardley.
The Match and Its Stakes
Fabio Wardley together with the New Zealander were part of a pulsating bout in London last October to determine the next mandatory WBO contender facing reigning heavyweight king Oleksandr Usyk.
Joseph Parker had been next in line to meet Usyk subsequent to stringing together an impressive six consecutive victories, however risked his shot at the title on the line in the UK and experienced a stoppage in round eleven.
Adverse Finding Plus Potential Consequences
An ordinary examination conducted on Parker by the anti-doping organization on the day of the bout came back positive and leaves the veteran boxer in a difficult position to demonstrate his cleanliness.
Parker's promotional company published an announcement stating: "The agency notified all relevant parties that Joseph Parker returned an adverse finding following a drug screening conducted on the fight day. During the ongoing inquiry, no more comments are planned for now."
Career Background
The New Zealand boxer earned the title of titleholder six years ago before he surrendered the WBO title through a points decision against Anthony Joshua in Cardiff in 2018.
Parker remained a frequent visitor across the United Kingdom since then, fighting eight times overall in the UK and relocating to Ireland for training camps alongside esteemed mentor Andy Lee during this period.
Recent Developments
Coached by Andy Lee, Parker bounced back from his 2022 loss versus Joe Joyce to secure multiple wins positioning him at the front of the line to meet Usyk until he lost to the British fighter.
Following Parker's sample showed a positive test during the Wardley bout, reportedly for cocaine, an investigation regarding the results has commenced.
- The boxer failed a drug test for an illegal substance.
- The screening was conducted via the anti-doping agency on the fight day.
- Parker is confronting a possible suspension from competition.
- Queensberry published a comment acknowledging the adverse finding.
- A formal inquiry has been ongoing about the situation.
