Joseph Parker Faces Potential Suspension Due to Positive Doping Test
Former world champion Parker returned an adverse finding as part of a doping test carried out on the day of his 11th-round defeat versus English fighter Fabio Wardley.
The Fight Along with Its Implications
Fabio Wardley together with Joseph Parker engaged in a pulsating contest in London in late October to determine who would become WBO mandatory challenger to reigning heavyweight king Ukrainian champion Usyk.
Joseph Parker was previously the primary candidate to challenge Oleksandr Usyk after compiling a remarkable six-fight winning streak, but put his contender position in jeopardy during the bout and experienced a stoppage in round eleven.
Adverse Finding and Implications
A standard screening conducted on Parker via Vada the day he fought returned positive and leaves Parker with a battle to demonstrate his cleanliness.
The boxer's representatives released a communique stating: "The anti-doping body notified all required parties that Joseph Parker had a positive result subsequent to a doping test administered on October 25th. While the matter is investigated, no further statements are planned for now."
Career Background
Joseph Parker earned the title of world champion six years ago until he surrendered his WBO belt by unanimous decision against British star Joshua in Cardiff two years later.
Joseph Parker has been a regular competitor on British soil after that, competing in eight bouts altogether in the UK and transferring to the Irish capital for preparation alongside highly regarded trainer former champion Lee during this period.
Latest Events
Coached by Andy Lee, Joseph Parker recovered from the 2022 setback versus Joe Joyce to achieve multiple wins which put him as the top contender to face Usyk until he lost to Wardley.
Following the boxer produced an adverse finding on the day of the Wardley fight, allegedly for cocaine, a probe into the findings has commenced.
- The boxer failed a drug test for an illegal substance.
- The screening took place via the anti-doping agency on the fight day.
- Parker is confronting disciplinary action from boxing.
- Queensberry published a comment confirming the positive test.
- A formal inquiry is now underway about the situation.
