Joseph Parker Confronts Possible Suspension Due to Positive Anti-Doping Test
Joseph Parker tested positive during a drugs test carried out on the day he fought in 11th-round loss to British heavyweight Fabio Wardley.
The Match Plus the Implications
Fabio Wardley and the New Zealander were part of a pulsating encounter held in London on 25 October to decide who would become mandatory WBO contender against reigning heavyweight king Oleksandr Usyk.
The fighter was previously next in line to meet Oleksandr Usyk following stringing together a notable six-fight winning streak, however risked his contender position in jeopardy in the UK and endured an 11th-round defeat.
Positive Test Plus Implications
A routine test administered to Parker via the Voluntary Anti-Doping Agency the day of the match returned positive and leaves Parker in a difficult position to clear his name.
His promotion team issued a statement declaring: "The agency notified all relevant parties about Parker returned an adverse finding following an anti-doping test conducted on October 25th. As the investigation continues, no additional comment will be made for now."
Career Background
Parker was crowned world champion in 2016 before he was defeated for his WBO belt by unanimous decision versus Anthony Joshua in Cardiff in 2018.
Joseph Parker has been a frequent visitor in the UK after that, competing in eight bouts in total in Britain and moving to Dublin for fight camps alongside respected coach Andy Lee during this period.
Latest Events
Under the tutelage of Lee, Joseph Parker overcame the 2022 setback versus British heavyweight Joyce to chalk up multiple wins which put him front of the queue to meet the champion until he suffered defeat to Wardley.
Subsequent to Parker's sample showed a positive test during the Wardley bout, reportedly for cocaine, a probe about the test outcome has commenced.
- Parker failed a drug test for a prohibited substance.
- The screening was administered via the anti-doping agency on October 25th.
- The fighter could receive a possible suspension from the sport.
- His promotional team released a statement confirming the positive test.
- An investigation has been in progress into the matter.
