Boxer Joseph Parker Confronts Imminent Suspension Due to Positive Drugs Test
Former world champion Parker produced a positive sample in a drugs test carried out the very day of his 11th-round stoppage versus British heavyweight Fabio Wardley.
The Fight and Its Stakes
The British boxer along with Joseph Parker were part of a pulsating bout held in London in late October to establish the next WBO mandatory challenger to unified heavyweight titleholder Ukrainian champion Usyk.
Joseph Parker had positioned himself as the primary candidate to meet the champion following putting together a remarkable six consecutive victories, however put his shot at the title in jeopardy during the bout and endured a stoppage in round eleven.
Positive Test Along with Potential Consequences
An ordinary examination administered to the boxer through Vada the day of the match came back positive and leaves the 36-year-old facing a challenge to clear his name.
The boxer's representatives published a communique which read: "The agency notified all relevant parties that Joseph Parker tested positive following an anti-doping test conducted on October 25th. While the matter is investigated, no more comments are planned for now."
Career Background
Parker was crowned world champion back in 2016 before he lost the WBO title through a points decision against British star Joshua at the Millennium Stadium 24 months later.
Joseph Parker has been a regular competitor in the UK since then, competing in eight bouts in total on UK territory and transferring to the Irish capital for training camps alongside highly regarded trainer Andy Lee during this period.
Current Situation
Guided by Lee, Parker bounced back from the 2022 setback to British heavyweight Joyce to achieve multiple wins positioning him at the front of the line to face Oleksandr Usyk until he was defeated to Wardley.
Subsequent to Parker's sample showed an adverse finding on the day of the Wardley fight, reportedly for cocaine, an inquiry into the findings has been started.
- The boxer returned an adverse finding for a banned substance.
- The screening took place by Vada on the fight day.
- Parker is confronting a potential ban from competition.
- His promotional team released a statement addressing the positive test.
- A review is now underway about the situation.
