Boxer Joseph Parker Could Receive Possible Ban After Failed Doping Test
Joseph Parker produced a positive sample during a doping test administered the same day of his 11th-round loss to English fighter Fabio Wardley.
The Bout and Its Consequences
The British boxer and Joseph Parker engaged in an intense contest staged in the UK capital in late October to determine the next WBO mandatory challenger facing unified heavyweight titleholder Ukrainian champion Usyk.
Joseph Parker had positioned himself as the leading contender to meet Oleksandr Usyk after stringing together an impressive six consecutive victories, however risked his mandatory challenger status at stake in London and endured a stoppage in round eleven.
Adverse Finding Along with Implications
A standard screening given to Joseph Parker by the Voluntary Anti-Doping Agency the day he fought showed an adverse result which leaves the 36-year-old in a difficult position to clear his name.
His promotion team issued a communique which read: "The anti-doping body notified everyone involved regarding Joseph Parker tested positive subsequent to a drug screening conducted on October 25th. During the ongoing inquiry, no further statements are forthcoming at this time."
Boxing Journey
The New Zealand boxer became heavyweight champion in 2016 until he surrendered his championship belt via unanimous decision against British star Joshua in Cardiff two years later.
Parker remained a regular competitor across the United Kingdom after that, competing in eight bouts in total in Britain and transferring to Dublin for fight camps under esteemed mentor Andy Lee in recent years.
Current Situation
Coached by Andy Lee, the boxer recovered from the 2022 setback to British heavyweight Joyce to chalk up a string of victories which put him at the front of the line to meet Oleksandr Usyk before he suffered defeat against Wardley.
Following the boxer produced a failed test during the Wardley bout, reportedly involving cocaine, an inquiry into the findings is underway.
- Parker tested positive for a banned substance.
- The examination took place by Vada the day of the bout.
- Parker now faces a potential ban from the sport.
- Queensberry released an announcement addressing the adverse finding.
- An investigation is currently underway into the matter.