New Zealand's Joseph Parker Faces Potential Ban After Positive Drugs Test
Joseph Parker returned an adverse finding in a drugs test conducted the very day he fought in 11th-round defeat to UK boxer Fabio Wardley.
The Bout Plus the Implications
Wardley together with the New Zealander participated in a thrilling bout in London in late October to establish the next next in line for the WBO facing undisputed world heavyweight champion Oleksandr Usyk.
Parker had been the primary candidate to challenge the champion subsequent to putting together a notable six wins in a row, but risked his contender position at stake in the UK and suffered a stoppage in round eleven.
Adverse Finding Along with Possible Outcomes
An ordinary examination administered to Parker through the anti-doping organization on the day of the bout returned positive and leaves the veteran boxer with a battle to demonstrate his cleanliness.
His promotion team issued a communique stating: "The agency informed all relevant parties regarding Joseph Parker tested positive following a drug screening conducted on October 25th. As the investigation continues, no more comments are forthcoming for now."
Professional History
The New Zealand boxer became titleholder six years ago until he was defeated for his WBO belt via unanimous decision against British star Joshua in Cardiff two years later.
Joseph Parker has been an active participant across the United Kingdom after that, having eight matches overall in Britain and moving to Dublin for fight camps alongside respected coach former champion Lee in recent years.
Current Situation
Guided by Lee, Parker overcame the 2022 setback to British heavyweight Joyce to achieve multiple wins positioning him as the top contender to face Usyk prior to he was defeated to the British fighter.
Subsequent to Parker returned a positive test on the day of the Wardley fight, allegedly for cocaine, an inquiry about the test outcome has commenced.
- The boxer returned an adverse finding for an illegal substance.
- The test was conducted via the anti-doping agency on the fight day.
- Joseph Parker now faces a possible suspension from boxing.
- Queensberry published a comment acknowledging the adverse finding.
- An investigation has been in progress into the matter.
