Boxer Joseph Parker Confronts Possible Ban After Failed Drugs Test
Former world champion Parker tested positive as part of a doping test carried out the very day he fought in 11th-round loss to UK boxer Fabio Wardley.
The Fight and Its Stakes
Fabio Wardley and the New Zealander were part of an intense encounter in London in late October to decide the identity of the next in line for the WBO facing reigning heavyweight king Oleksandr Usyk.
Parker was previously next in line to challenge the champion subsequent to stringing together an impressive six wins in a row, but put his contender position on the line in London and endured an 11th-round stoppage.
Failed Examination Plus Possible Outcomes
A standard screening conducted on Joseph Parker by the anti-doping organization the day of the match showed an adverse result and now leaves the 36-year-old with a battle to prove his innocence.
Parker's promotional company published a statement which read: "The agency alerted everyone involved about Parker tested positive following a doping test carried out on the 25th October. While the matter is investigated, no more comments will be made for now."
Boxing Journey
Joseph Parker was crowned titleholder in 2016 until he surrendered his championship belt through a points decision against British star Joshua in Wales 24 months later.
The fighter remained a frequent visitor on British soil from that point, fighting eight times overall on UK territory and relocating to Ireland for preparation with respected coach Andy Lee in recent years.
Latest Events
Coached by Andy Lee, the boxer bounced back from the 2022 setback to Joe Joyce to secure multiple wins which put him at the front of the line to face Oleksandr Usyk before he was defeated against Wardley.
Following the boxer produced an adverse finding on the day of the Wardley fight, allegedly for cocaine, an inquiry into the findings is underway.
- Joseph Parker failed a drug test for a prohibited substance.
- The examination was administered via the anti-doping agency the day of the bout.
- Parker now faces a possible suspension from competition.
- His promotional team published a comment confirming the positive test.
- An investigation is now underway into the matter.
