New Zealand's Joseph Parker Could Receive Potential Ban Due to Failed Drugs Test
Joseph Parker returned an adverse finding in a anti-doping examination conducted on the day he faced 11th-round stoppage to British heavyweight Ipswich-born Wardley.
The Bout Along with Its Consequences
Wardley along with Parker participated in a thrilling bout in London last October to establish who would become next in line for the WBO against undisputed world heavyweight champion Oleksandr Usyk.
The fighter had been the leading contender to meet the champion following stringing together an impressive six wins in a row, yet put his contender position in jeopardy in the UK and suffered an 11th-round stoppage.
Adverse Finding Along with Implications
An ordinary examination conducted on Joseph Parker via the Voluntary Anti-Doping Agency the day of the match returned positive which leaves the 36-year-old in a difficult position to prove his innocence.
Parker's promotional company published a statement which read: "The agency notified all relevant parties regarding Joseph Parker returned an adverse finding following an anti-doping test conducted on the 25th October. During the ongoing inquiry, no further statements will be made at this time."
Professional History
Parker was crowned titleholder six years ago before he surrendered his championship belt via unanimous decision versus Anthony Joshua in Cardiff in 2018.
Joseph Parker has been an active participant across the United Kingdom after that, fighting eight times in total on UK territory and moving to Ireland for fight camps with respected coach Andy Lee during this period.
Recent Developments
Under the tutelage of Lee, the boxer recovered from his 2022 loss versus Joe Joyce to chalk up several successes which put him at the front of the line to face Oleksandr Usyk before he was defeated against Wardley.
Following Parker's sample showed an adverse finding during the Wardley bout, allegedly for cocaine, an investigation into the findings is underway.
- The boxer tested positive for a prohibited substance.
- The test was administered through Vada the day of the bout.
- The fighter could receive a potential ban from boxing.
- His representatives published a statement addressing the positive test.
- An investigation is now ongoing into the matter.
