New Zealand's Joseph Parker Faces Potential Ban Due to Positive Doping Test
The New Zealand heavyweight tested positive as part of a drugs test administered the very day he faced 11th-round loss to British heavyweight Fabio Wardley.
The Match and Its Implications
The British boxer and the New Zealander were part of a pulsating encounter staged in the UK capital on 25 October to decide who would become next in line for the WBO to unified heavyweight titleholder Ukrainian champion Usyk.
Parker was previously the leading contender to meet Usyk following compiling a remarkable six wins in a row, but risked his shot at the title at stake in London and suffered an 11th-round defeat.
Positive Test Plus Possible Outcomes
A standard screening administered to Joseph Parker through the Voluntary Anti-Doping Agency the day of the match came back positive which leaves the veteran boxer facing a challenge to prove his innocence.
His promotion team issued a communique stating: "The agency alerted all relevant parties about Parker had a positive result following a doping test carried out on the 25th October. During the ongoing inquiry, no additional comment will be made currently."
Career Background
Parker was crowned heavyweight champion six years ago prior to he lost the WBO title through a points decision to British star Joshua in Cardiff 24 months later.
Joseph Parker became a frequent visitor in the UK since then, having eight matches altogether in the UK and moving to the Irish capital for preparation alongside esteemed mentor Andy Lee in recent years.
Recent Developments
Coached by Andy Lee, Parker bounced back from his 2022 loss against Joe Joyce to chalk up a string of victories which put him front of the queue to challenge the champion before he suffered defeat to the British fighter.
Following Parker returned a positive test on the day of the Wardley fight, allegedly for cocaine, a probe regarding the results has commenced.
- The boxer tested positive for a banned substance.
- The test took place by Vada the day of the bout.
- The fighter could receive a possible suspension from boxing.
- Queensberry published a statement acknowledging the adverse finding.
- A formal inquiry is currently ongoing regarding the case.
