New Zealand's Joseph Parker Could Receive Imminent Suspension Following Failed Anti-Doping Test
Former world champion Parker returned an adverse finding in a drugs test conducted the very day he faced 11th-round defeat against UK boxer Fabio Wardley.
The Match Plus the Implications
The British boxer along with Parker engaged in an intense contest in London last October to decide who would become mandatory WBO contender facing undisputed world heavyweight champion Oleksandr Usyk.
Parker was previously next in line to challenge the champion subsequent to compiling a notable six consecutive victories, however put his mandatory challenger status at stake during the bout and experienced an 11th-round defeat.
Adverse Finding Plus Possible Outcomes
An ordinary examination given to the boxer via the Voluntary Anti-Doping Agency the day of the match came back positive and now leaves the veteran boxer facing a challenge to prove his innocence.
The boxer's representatives released a statement which read: "The anti-doping body notified all required parties that Joseph Parker returned an adverse finding after a drug screening conducted on the 25th October. As the investigation continues, no additional comment are planned for now."
Professional History
The New Zealand boxer earned the title of heavyweight champion six years ago prior to he surrendered the WBO title via unanimous decision to Anthony Joshua in Cardiff 24 months later.
The fighter has been an active participant on British soil since then, having eight matches in total in Britain and moving to the Irish capital for fight camps alongside highly regarded trainer Andy Lee over the past few years.
Current Situation
Guided by Lee, Parker overcame the 2022 setback versus Joe Joyce to secure a string of victories which put him at the front of the line to challenge Usyk prior to he suffered defeat to the British fighter.
Subsequent to the boxer produced an adverse finding when he fought Wardley, allegedly for cocaine, an investigation regarding the results has been started.
- Joseph Parker returned an adverse finding for a prohibited substance.
- The test was conducted via the anti-doping agency on October 25th.
- Joseph Parker now faces a possible suspension from competition.
- His promotional team released an announcement acknowledging the failed examination.
- A review has been underway into the matter.