New Zealand's Joseph Parker Could Receive Possible Suspension Due to Positive Drugs Test
Joseph Parker returned an adverse finding in a drugs test administered the same day he faced 11th-round loss versus British heavyweight Ipswich-born Wardley.
The Match Plus the Implications
Fabio Wardley together with Joseph Parker were part of a pulsating encounter held in London last October to determine the next WBO mandatory challenger against undisputed world heavyweight champion Oleksandr Usyk.
Joseph Parker had positioned himself as the primary candidate to meet Usyk after putting together a remarkable six-fight winning streak, however risked his shot at the title in jeopardy in the UK and endured an 11th-round defeat.
Positive Test Plus Implications
An ordinary examination administered to Parker through Vada the day he fought returned positive and leaves the veteran boxer in a difficult position to prove his innocence.
Parker's promotional company published a statement stating: "Vada notified all relevant parties about Parker tested positive subsequent to a doping test administered on the fight day. During the ongoing inquiry, no more comments will be made for now."
Boxing Journey
The New Zealand boxer became world champion six years ago before he was defeated for his WBO belt via unanimous decision against British star Joshua at the Millennium Stadium 24 months later.
Joseph Parker became a regular competitor in the UK from that point, having eight matches overall on UK territory and moving to the Irish capital for fight camps with highly regarded trainer Andy Lee over the past few years.
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Under the tutelage of Lee, Parker overcame his 2022 loss against Joe Joyce to secure several successes that placed him as the top contender to challenge the champion until he lost to the British fighter.
After Parker's sample showed a positive test when he fought Wardley, allegedly for cocaine, an inquiry regarding the results has commenced.
- Parker returned an adverse finding for an illegal substance.
- The screening was conducted through Vada on the fight day.
- Parker now faces a potential ban from boxing.
- His representatives published a statement confirming the failed examination.
- A review is now ongoing into the matter.