Boxer Joseph Parker Faces Imminent Ban After Positive Drugs Test
The New Zealand heavyweight returned an adverse finding as part of a drugs test carried out the very day he fought in 11th-round stoppage versus English fighter Fabio Wardley.
The Fight Along with Its Consequences
Wardley along with Joseph Parker were part of a thrilling bout held in London on 25 October to establish who would become WBO mandatory challenger facing unified heavyweight titleholder Oleksandr Usyk.
Parker had positioned himself as the primary candidate to challenge the champion after compiling a remarkable six wins in a row, but put his mandatory challenger status at stake in the UK and suffered a stoppage in round eleven.
Positive Test Plus Potential Consequences
A routine test given to Parker through the Voluntary Anti-Doping Agency on the day of the bout showed an adverse result and leaves the 36-year-old facing a challenge to demonstrate his cleanliness.
His promotion team published a statement stating: "The anti-doping body alerted everyone involved regarding Joseph Parker returned an adverse finding subsequent to an anti-doping test administered on the fight day. While the matter is investigated, no more comments will be made for now."
Boxing Journey
The New Zealand boxer was crowned world champion back in 2016 prior to he was defeated for his championship belt through a points decision against British star Joshua in Wales two years later.
The fighter has been an active participant across the United Kingdom after that, fighting eight times overall in Britain and transferring to Dublin for preparation alongside highly regarded trainer Andy Lee in recent years.
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Under the tutelage of Lee, Parker recovered from his defeat in 2022 versus Joe Joyce to achieve multiple wins which put him at the front of the line to challenge the champion before he suffered defeat against Wardley.
After Parker returned a positive test during the Wardley bout, allegedly for cocaine, a probe into the findings is underway.
- Parker tested positive for an illegal substance.
- The screening was administered via the anti-doping agency on the fight day.
- Parker now faces disciplinary action from boxing.
- His promotional team published an announcement confirming the positive test.
- A review is now ongoing into the matter.
