New Zealand's Joseph Parker Faces Possible Suspension After Positive Doping Test
The New Zealand heavyweight tested positive as part of a drugs test administered the same day he fought in 11th-round defeat versus UK boxer Fabio Wardley.
The Bout Along with Its Stakes
The British boxer along with Parker were part of a thrilling contest staged in the UK capital in late October to decide who would become next in line for the WBO facing reigning heavyweight king Oleksandr Usyk.
Parker was previously the primary candidate to challenge Usyk subsequent to compiling an impressive six consecutive victories, however put his shot at the title on the line during the bout and experienced a stoppage in round eleven.
Adverse Finding Plus Potential Consequences
A standard screening administered to the boxer by Vada on the day of the bout returned positive and now leaves the veteran boxer with a battle to demonstrate his cleanliness.
His promotion team issued a statement which read: "The agency alerted all required parties that Joseph Parker tested positive after a drug screening administered on October 25th. As the investigation continues, no more comments will be made currently."
Professional History
Parker was crowned heavyweight champion in 2016 until he surrendered his championship belt via unanimous decision to Anthony Joshua in Wales in 2018.
Parker became a frequent visitor in the UK from that point, fighting eight times overall in the UK and moving to Dublin for training camps with highly regarded trainer Andy Lee in recent years.
Latest Events
Coached by Andy Lee, Joseph Parker recovered from his defeat in 2022 to British heavyweight Joyce to chalk up several successes that placed him as the top contender to meet Oleksandr Usyk before he was defeated to Wardley.
Subsequent to Parker returned a failed test when he fought Wardley, allegedly for cocaine, an inquiry regarding the results has been started.
- Parker returned an adverse finding for a banned substance.
- The screening took place by Vada on October 25th.
- The fighter could receive a possible suspension from boxing.
- Queensberry has issued a statement confirming the positive test.
- An investigation is currently ongoing about the situation.
