Boxer Joseph Parker Could Receive Possible Ban After Positive Anti-Doping Test
Former world champion Parker produced a positive sample as part of a doping test carried out the same day he faced 11th-round defeat to UK boxer Fabio Wardley.
The Match Along with Its Implications
Wardley together with Parker engaged in a pulsating contest held in London in late October to decide the next mandatory WBO contender facing reigning heavyweight king Oleksandr Usyk.
The fighter had been the primary candidate to face Usyk after putting together a remarkable six consecutive victories, but risked his contender position on the line during the bout and endured an 11th-round defeat.
Adverse Finding Plus Implications
An ordinary examination conducted on Parker by Vada on the day of the bout returned positive and leaves the veteran boxer in a difficult position to clear his name.
Parker's promotional company issued an announcement which read: "The anti-doping body informed everyone involved that Joseph Parker returned an adverse finding subsequent to a drug screening conducted on the 25th October. As the investigation continues, no more comments are planned at this time."
Boxing Journey
Parker earned the title of heavyweight champion back in 2016 until he lost the WBO title via unanimous decision versus British star Joshua in Cardiff two years later.
Joseph Parker has been a regular competitor across the United Kingdom since then, fighting eight times overall in Britain and transferring to Ireland for preparation under respected coach former champion Lee in recent years.
Recent Developments
Coached by Andy Lee, Joseph Parker recovered from his 2022 loss against Joe Joyce to achieve a string of victories positioning him front of the queue to meet Usyk until he lost to Wardley.
Following Parker returned an adverse finding during the Wardley bout, reportedly involving cocaine, a probe about the test outcome is underway.
- The boxer returned an adverse finding for an illegal substance.
- The examination took place via the anti-doping agency the day of the bout.
- Joseph Parker now faces a potential ban from the sport.
- His representatives published a comment acknowledging the adverse finding.
- A review is now underway into the matter.
