Boxer Joseph Parker Faces Imminent Ban Due to Failed Drugs Test
Former world champion Parker returned an adverse finding during a anti-doping examination administered the very day of his 11th-round stoppage against English fighter Fabio Wardley.
The Fight and Its Stakes
Fabio Wardley together with the New Zealander participated in a thrilling bout held in London last October to decide who would become next in line for the WBO against unified heavyweight titleholder Oleksandr Usyk.
Parker was previously next in line to challenge Usyk after putting together a notable six consecutive victories, but risked his shot at the title on the line in London and suffered an 11th-round stoppage.
Positive Test and Implications
A standard screening administered to Joseph Parker via the anti-doping organization the day he fought returned positive and now leaves Parker with a battle to demonstrate his cleanliness.
Parker's promotional company published a communique declaring: "The agency alerted everyone involved that Joseph Parker had a positive result following a doping test administered on the 25th October. During the ongoing inquiry, no more comments are planned currently."
Boxing Journey
The New Zealand boxer was crowned titleholder back in 2016 until he was defeated for the WBO title through a points decision versus British star Joshua in Wales in 2018.
The fighter became a regular competitor on British soil from that point, competing in eight bouts overall on UK territory and transferring to Dublin for fight camps with respected coach former champion Lee over the past few years.
Recent Developments
Under the tutelage of Lee, Parker bounced back from his 2022 loss against Joe Joyce to chalk up multiple wins positioning him at the front of the line to face the champion until he suffered defeat to the British fighter.
Following the boxer produced a failed test during the Wardley bout, reportedly for cocaine, an investigation regarding the results has been started.
- Joseph Parker tested positive for an illegal substance.
- The test was conducted via the anti-doping agency on October 25th.
- Joseph Parker could receive a potential ban from boxing.
- His representatives published a comment addressing the failed examination.
- An investigation is currently in progress about the situation.
