New Zealand's Joseph Parker Confronts Possible Ban After Failed Doping Test
Former world champion Parker returned an adverse finding during a doping test administered the same day he faced 11th-round loss against English fighter Ipswich-born Wardley.
The Fight Plus the Implications
Fabio Wardley along with Parker engaged in a pulsating encounter staged in the UK capital in late October to determine the identity of the mandatory WBO contender against unified heavyweight titleholder Oleksandr Usyk.
Joseph Parker was previously the primary candidate to challenge the champion after putting together an impressive six-fight winning streak, but risked his contender position on the line in the UK and suffered a stoppage in round eleven.
Positive Test and Possible Outcomes
A standard screening conducted on Joseph Parker via the anti-doping organization the day of the match showed an adverse result which leaves Parker facing a challenge to clear his name.
His promotion team released a statement stating: "The anti-doping body informed everyone involved that Joseph Parker tested positive after a drug screening carried out on the 25th October. During the ongoing inquiry, no more comments are planned at this time."
Boxing Journey
Parker became titleholder six years ago until he was defeated for his WBO belt by unanimous decision to Anthony Joshua at the Millennium Stadium in 2018.
The fighter remained an active participant on British soil since then, having eight matches overall on UK territory and moving to Ireland for fight camps alongside respected coach former champion Lee in recent years.
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Under the tutelage of Lee, Parker bounced back from his defeat in 2022 to British heavyweight Joyce to chalk up several successes that placed him as the top contender to meet the champion before he suffered defeat to the British fighter.
Following Parker returned an adverse finding when he fought Wardley, allegedly for cocaine, an inquiry into the findings has commenced.
- Parker failed a drug test for a prohibited substance.
- The examination was administered via the anti-doping agency on October 25th.
- The fighter is confronting a possible suspension from the sport.
- Queensberry published a statement confirming the adverse finding.
- A review is now underway regarding the case.
