New Zealand's Joseph Parker Confronts Imminent Ban After Positive Anti-Doping Test
Joseph Parker tested positive as part of a anti-doping examination carried out the very day of his 11th-round defeat to UK boxer Fabio Wardley.
The Bout Along with Its Stakes
Wardley together with the New Zealander were part of a pulsating encounter staged in the UK capital last October to decide the identity of the next in line for the WBO to unified heavyweight titleholder Ukrainian champion Usyk.
The fighter was previously the leading contender to meet Oleksandr Usyk after compiling a notable six wins in a row, however risked his shot at the title in jeopardy during the bout and endured a stoppage in round eleven.
Adverse Finding and Potential Consequences
A routine test administered to Joseph Parker by Vada the day he fought came back positive and now leaves the veteran boxer with a battle to demonstrate his cleanliness.
His promotion team released a statement which read: "The agency informed all required parties about Parker returned an adverse finding subsequent to a drug screening conducted on the 25th October. As the investigation continues, no more comments will be made at this time."
Boxing Journey
The New Zealand boxer became heavyweight champion six years ago before he surrendered the WBO title through a points decision versus Anthony Joshua at the Millennium Stadium 24 months later.
Parker remained a regular competitor on British soil from that point, fighting eight times altogether in Britain and transferring to Dublin for fight camps under esteemed mentor former champion Lee in recent years.
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Coached by Andy Lee, Joseph Parker recovered from the 2022 setback to Joe Joyce to achieve multiple wins positioning him as the top contender to face Usyk before he lost to Wardley.
After the boxer produced an adverse finding during the Wardley bout, allegedly for cocaine, an investigation about the test outcome has commenced.
- The boxer tested positive for a prohibited substance.
- The test took place by Vada the day of the bout.
- Parker is confronting a potential ban from competition.
- His promotional team released an announcement confirming the failed examination.
- A formal inquiry is now in progress into the matter.