Boxer Joseph Parker Could Receive Potential Suspension Due to Positive Doping Test
Joseph Parker returned an adverse finding as part of a doping test conducted the very day he fought in 11th-round stoppage to English fighter Fabio Wardley.
The Fight Along with Its Consequences
Fabio Wardley and Parker engaged in a pulsating encounter staged in the UK capital on 25 October to decide the next next in line for the WBO facing reigning heavyweight king Oleksandr Usyk.
Joseph Parker had been next in line to challenge Usyk following compiling an impressive six-fight winning streak, but placed his shot at the title on the line in London and suffered a stoppage in round eleven.
Failed Examination Plus Potential Consequences
A standard screening conducted on Joseph Parker by Vada on the day of the bout showed an adverse result and leaves the veteran boxer facing a challenge to prove his innocence.
Parker's promotional company issued a statement declaring: "The anti-doping body notified all relevant parties about Parker returned an adverse finding after an anti-doping test carried out on the 25th October. As the investigation continues, no further statements will be made currently."
Professional History
Joseph Parker was crowned heavyweight champion in 2016 prior to he lost his WBO belt via unanimous decision against Anthony Joshua in Wales in 2018.
Joseph Parker remained a frequent visitor in the UK since then, fighting eight times altogether on UK territory and transferring to the Irish capital for fight camps alongside esteemed mentor Andy Lee during this period.
Current Situation
Under the tutelage of Lee, the boxer bounced back from his 2022 loss against Joe Joyce to chalk up several successes that placed him front of the queue to challenge the champion before he lost against Wardley.
After the boxer produced a positive test when he fought Wardley, allegedly for cocaine, an investigation regarding the results has been started.
- The boxer failed a drug test for a banned substance.
- The test was administered by Vada on October 25th.
- The fighter now faces a potential ban from competition.
- His representatives released a statement confirming the adverse finding.
- An investigation is now in progress into the matter.
