New Zealand's Joseph Parker Faces Potential Ban Due to Positive Anti-Doping Test
The New Zealand heavyweight returned an adverse finding in a anti-doping examination carried out the very day he faced 11th-round defeat against British heavyweight Ipswich-born Wardley.
The Match Plus the Implications
The British boxer along with the New Zealander participated in an intense encounter staged in the UK capital on 25 October to decide the identity of the next in line for the WBO to reigning heavyweight king Oleksandr Usyk.
Parker had positioned himself as the leading contender to meet Oleksandr Usyk subsequent to stringing together a remarkable six-fight winning streak, but placed his contender position at stake during the bout and suffered a stoppage in round eleven.
Adverse Finding and Implications
A routine test administered to Joseph Parker through Vada the day of the match returned positive which leaves the veteran boxer with a battle to prove his innocence.
Parker's promotional company released a communique stating: "The anti-doping body alerted all relevant parties regarding Joseph Parker had a positive result after a drug screening conducted on the 25th October. As the investigation continues, no further statements will be made at this time."
Boxing Journey
The New Zealand boxer was crowned titleholder six years ago prior to he lost his WBO belt via unanimous decision to Anthony Joshua in Wales 24 months later.
Parker became a regular competitor in the UK after that, competing in eight bouts altogether in the UK and transferring to Ireland for training camps alongside highly regarded trainer Andy Lee over the past few years.
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Under the tutelage of Lee, Parker recovered from his defeat in 2022 to Joe Joyce to secure several successes which put him as the top contender to face Usyk before he lost to Wardley.
Following Parker's sample showed a failed test during the Wardley bout, reportedly for cocaine, an inquiry regarding the results has been started.
- The boxer returned an adverse finding for an illegal substance.
- The screening was administered through Vada the day of the bout.
- The fighter now faces disciplinary action from boxing.
- His promotional team has issued a statement confirming the adverse finding.
- A formal inquiry is now in progress regarding the case.
