Joseph Parker Could Receive Possible Suspension Following Failed Drugs Test
Joseph Parker returned an adverse finding in a doping test conducted on the day he fought in 11th-round defeat against English fighter Fabio Wardley.
The Fight and Its Stakes
The British boxer and Joseph Parker were part of a thrilling bout staged in the UK capital last October to establish the identity of the WBO mandatory challenger facing unified heavyweight titleholder Oleksandr Usyk.
The fighter was previously the leading contender to face Usyk subsequent to compiling an impressive six-fight winning streak, however placed his shot at the title at stake in the UK and experienced an 11th-round defeat.
Positive Test Plus Possible Outcomes
A standard screening given to Joseph Parker via the anti-doping organization the day of the match came back positive and leaves the 36-year-old with a battle to prove his innocence.
Parker's promotional company published a statement stating: "The anti-doping body notified all relevant parties regarding Joseph Parker had a positive result after an anti-doping test conducted on the fight day. During the ongoing inquiry, no more comments are forthcoming currently."
Boxing Journey
Joseph Parker was crowned heavyweight champion in 2016 before he lost his WBO belt by unanimous decision to British star Joshua in Cardiff in 2018.
The fighter has been a regular competitor across the United Kingdom after that, competing in eight bouts overall in the UK and relocating to the Irish capital for fight camps under respected coach Andy Lee in recent years.
Current Situation
Guided by Lee, Parker overcame his 2022 loss to British heavyweight Joyce to chalk up multiple wins which put him front of the queue to challenge Oleksandr Usyk prior to he was defeated against Wardley.
Subsequent to Parker's sample showed an adverse finding on the day of the Wardley fight, allegedly for cocaine, an investigation about the test outcome has commenced.
- Joseph Parker tested positive for a prohibited substance.
- The screening took place via the anti-doping agency on October 25th.
- Joseph Parker now faces disciplinary action from competition.
- Queensberry published a statement acknowledging the adverse finding.
- A formal inquiry is now underway regarding the case.
