Boxer Joseph Parker Could Receive Potential Suspension Following Positive Drugs Test
The New Zealand heavyweight returned an adverse finding as part of a doping test administered the same day of his 11th-round stoppage to British heavyweight Fabio Wardley.
The Bout Along with Its Consequences
Fabio Wardley together with the New Zealander were part of a thrilling encounter staged in the UK capital on 25 October to establish the next WBO mandatory challenger facing reigning heavyweight king Oleksandr Usyk.
Parker had been the primary candidate to face Oleksandr Usyk after compiling a remarkable six wins in a row, yet risked his mandatory challenger status on the line in London and experienced an 11th-round stoppage.
Adverse Finding Plus Possible Outcomes
An ordinary examination given to the boxer by the Voluntary Anti-Doping Agency on the day of the bout came back positive and now leaves Parker facing a challenge to prove his innocence.
Parker's promotional company released an announcement which read: "The agency alerted all required parties regarding Joseph Parker had a positive result after a doping test conducted on the 25th October. While the matter is investigated, no more comments are forthcoming at this time."
Career Background
Joseph Parker became heavyweight champion back in 2016 prior to he surrendered his WBO belt via unanimous decision to British star Joshua in Wales in 2018.
Parker became an active participant in the UK since then, competing in eight bouts overall in Britain and moving to Dublin for training camps with respected coach Andy Lee over the past few years.
Recent Developments
Under the tutelage of Lee, Parker bounced back from the 2022 setback against British heavyweight Joyce to chalk up multiple wins positioning him as the top contender to challenge the champion prior to he suffered defeat to Wardley.
Subsequent to Parker returned a failed test when he fought Wardley, allegedly for cocaine, an investigation regarding the results has commenced.
- Joseph Parker returned an adverse finding for a banned substance.
- The examination took place through Vada on the fight day.
- Parker now faces a potential ban from the sport.
- Queensberry released a statement addressing the adverse finding.
- A formal inquiry has been in progress into the matter.
