Joseph Parker Confronts Imminent Ban After Failed Drugs Test
The New Zealand heavyweight tested positive during a doping test conducted the same day he faced 11th-round loss versus English fighter Fabio Wardley.
The Fight Plus the Consequences
Wardley along with Parker participated in an intense contest held in London last October to establish the identity of the next in line for the WBO against reigning heavyweight king Oleksandr Usyk.
The fighter had positioned himself as the leading contender to face Usyk following putting together a remarkable six consecutive victories, but placed his contender position at stake in London and experienced an 11th-round defeat.
Positive Test Along with Possible Outcomes
A routine test conducted on the boxer by the anti-doping organization on the day of the bout returned positive and leaves Parker with a battle to demonstrate his cleanliness.
His promotion team issued a communique declaring: "The agency informed everyone involved about Parker had a positive result after an anti-doping test conducted on the fight day. While the matter is investigated, no more comments will be made at this time."
Career Background
Parker earned the title of titleholder six years ago until he lost his WBO belt through a points decision to Anthony Joshua at the Millennium Stadium in 2018.
Joseph Parker has been a frequent visitor on British soil from that point, competing in eight bouts overall on UK territory and transferring to Ireland for training camps with highly regarded trainer former champion Lee over the past few years.
Latest Events
Guided by Lee, Parker bounced back from his defeat in 2022 versus British heavyweight Joyce to chalk up several successes that placed him as the top contender to meet Usyk until he was defeated to the British fighter.
Subsequent to Parker's sample showed a failed test during the Wardley bout, allegedly for cocaine, an investigation about the test outcome has commenced.
- Parker tested positive for an illegal substance.
- The examination was administered via the anti-doping agency the day of the bout.
- The fighter now faces a possible suspension from boxing.
- His promotional team released an announcement acknowledging the failed examination.
- A review is now in progress about the situation.
