New Zealand's Joseph Parker Faces Imminent Suspension After Positive Drugs Test
The New Zealand heavyweight returned an adverse finding during a doping test carried out the very day he fought in 11th-round defeat versus British heavyweight Fabio Wardley.
The Bout Along with Its Consequences
Fabio Wardley along with Joseph Parker were part of an intense bout in London in late October to determine the identity of the WBO mandatory challenger facing undisputed world heavyweight champion Oleksandr Usyk.
The fighter had been the primary candidate to challenge the champion subsequent to stringing together a notable six consecutive victories, however put his mandatory challenger status in jeopardy in London and suffered an 11th-round defeat.
Adverse Finding Along with Possible Outcomes
An ordinary examination given to Parker via the Voluntary Anti-Doping Agency on the day of the bout came back positive which leaves the 36-year-old in a difficult position to prove his innocence.
His promotion team released a statement declaring: "Vada informed all relevant parties that Joseph Parker tested positive subsequent to a drug screening administered on the fight day. As the investigation continues, no more comments are planned for now."
Professional History
Parker earned the title of heavyweight champion back in 2016 before he was defeated for his WBO belt by unanimous decision versus Anthony Joshua in Cardiff in 2018.
The fighter has been a frequent visitor on British soil from that point, having eight matches in total in Britain and transferring to Dublin for training camps alongside respected coach former champion Lee during this period.
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Coached by Andy Lee, Parker bounced back from his 2022 loss against Joe Joyce to chalk up multiple wins which put him front of the queue to meet Usyk before he was defeated against Wardley.
Subsequent to the boxer produced a positive test when he fought Wardley, reportedly for cocaine, a probe into the findings has been started.
- The boxer failed a drug test for a banned substance.
- The examination was administered through Vada on October 25th.
- Parker is confronting a possible suspension from competition.
- His promotional team published a comment confirming the failed examination.
- A formal inquiry is currently ongoing about the situation.
