Joseph Parker Could Receive Possible Suspension Due to Positive Drugs Test
Joseph Parker tested positive as part of a doping test administered the same day he faced 11th-round defeat versus British heavyweight Fabio Wardley.
The Match Along with Its Stakes
The British boxer together with Joseph Parker engaged in a thrilling contest staged in the UK capital on 25 October to establish the next WBO mandatory challenger facing undisputed world heavyweight champion Oleksandr Usyk.
Parker was previously the leading contender to meet Oleksandr Usyk subsequent to putting together a notable six wins in a row, however placed his shot at the title in jeopardy during the bout and suffered a stoppage in round eleven.
Adverse Finding Along with Potential Consequences
A standard screening conducted on Parker via Vada on the day of the bout showed an adverse result and leaves the veteran boxer with a battle to demonstrate his cleanliness.
Parker's promotional company published an announcement which read: "The anti-doping body notified everyone involved that Joseph Parker had a positive result subsequent to a doping test conducted on the fight day. As the investigation continues, no additional comment will be made for now."
Career Background
Parker was crowned titleholder six years ago prior to he lost his championship belt by unanimous decision to Anthony Joshua at the Millennium Stadium 24 months later.
Parker remained an active participant on British soil since then, competing in eight bouts altogether in Britain and transferring to the Irish capital for preparation alongside respected coach Andy Lee in recent years.
Current Situation
Coached by Andy Lee, Joseph Parker bounced back from the 2022 setback to British heavyweight Joyce to secure a string of victories which put him as the top contender to face the champion until he lost to Wardley.
Following Parker returned a positive test during the Wardley bout, allegedly for cocaine, a probe about the test outcome has been started.
- Joseph Parker failed a drug test for a prohibited substance.
- The examination was administered through Vada on the fight day.
- Joseph Parker could receive a possible suspension from the sport.
- Queensberry released a comment acknowledging the positive test.
- A review has been underway into the matter.