Joseph Parker Confronts Potential Suspension Due to Failed Doping Test
Joseph Parker produced a positive sample as part of a doping test carried out the very day he faced 11th-round loss against British heavyweight Fabio Wardley.
The Match Plus the Consequences
Wardley along with the New Zealander were part of a pulsating encounter staged in the UK capital on 25 October to determine the identity of the WBO mandatory challenger against reigning heavyweight king Oleksandr Usyk.
Parker was previously the primary candidate to face Oleksandr Usyk after compiling a notable six consecutive victories, however risked his mandatory challenger status at stake in London and suffered an 11th-round stoppage.
Adverse Finding Plus Potential Consequences
A standard screening given to Parker through the Voluntary Anti-Doping Agency the day of the match showed an adverse result and now leaves Parker facing a challenge to prove his innocence.
His promotion team published an announcement stating: "The anti-doping body notified everyone involved about Parker tested positive following an anti-doping test conducted on the fight day. While the matter is investigated, no further statements are planned currently."
Boxing Journey
Joseph Parker was crowned titleholder six years ago until he surrendered the WBO title via unanimous decision against Anthony Joshua in Cardiff in 2018.
Joseph Parker remained an active participant on British soil from that point, fighting eight times overall in Britain and transferring to the Irish capital for preparation under respected coach Andy Lee in recent years.
Recent Developments
Guided by Lee, the boxer bounced back from his defeat in 2022 against British heavyweight Joyce to chalk up several successes that placed him as the top contender to meet Usyk before he lost against Wardley.
Subsequent to Parker's sample showed a failed test when he fought Wardley, reportedly involving cocaine, a probe about the test outcome has been started.
- Joseph Parker failed a drug test for a prohibited substance.
- The screening was administered by Vada the day of the bout.
- Parker is confronting disciplinary action from competition.
- His promotional team has issued an announcement acknowledging the adverse finding.
- A review has been in progress about the situation.
