Boxer Joseph Parker Confronts Possible Ban After Failed Anti-Doping Test
The New Zealand heavyweight tested positive as part of a anti-doping examination conducted on the day he fought in 11th-round stoppage to UK boxer Fabio Wardley.
The Bout Plus the Stakes
The British boxer and the New Zealander engaged in an intense encounter held in London last October to establish who would become WBO mandatory challenger against unified heavyweight titleholder Oleksandr Usyk.
Joseph Parker had positioned himself as the primary candidate to meet Oleksandr Usyk following stringing together a notable six-fight winning streak, however put his mandatory challenger status at stake during the bout and experienced an 11th-round stoppage.
Adverse Finding Plus Implications
A routine test administered to Parker by the Voluntary Anti-Doping Agency on the day of the bout returned positive and leaves the 36-year-old with a battle to prove his innocence.
His promotion team issued an announcement declaring: "The anti-doping body notified everyone involved regarding Joseph Parker had a positive result subsequent to a doping test carried out on the 25th October. During the ongoing inquiry, no more comments will be made currently."
Professional History
Parker earned the title of world champion back in 2016 before he lost the WBO title through a points decision versus Anthony Joshua at the Millennium Stadium in 2018.
Joseph Parker remained an active participant across the United Kingdom after that, having eight matches in total on UK territory and moving to Ireland for training camps under esteemed mentor former champion Lee during this period.
Latest Events
Under the tutelage of Lee, Parker recovered from the 2022 setback to Joe Joyce to chalk up a string of victories which put him at the front of the line to face Oleksandr Usyk until he was defeated to the British fighter.
Subsequent to Parker returned a failed test on the day of the Wardley fight, allegedly for cocaine, an inquiry regarding the results is underway.
- Joseph Parker tested positive for an illegal substance.
- The screening took place via the anti-doping agency on October 25th.
- The fighter is confronting disciplinary action from boxing.
- His representatives released a statement acknowledging the adverse finding.
- A formal inquiry is currently ongoing into the matter.
