Joseph Parker Could Receive Potential Ban After Positive Doping Test

Joseph Parker tested positive in a anti-doping examination carried out the very day of his 11th-round defeat versus UK boxer Fabio Wardley.

The Bout Plus the Stakes

Wardley together with Joseph Parker engaged in a pulsating bout staged in the UK capital in late October to decide who would become WBO mandatory challenger to undisputed world heavyweight champion Ukrainian champion Usyk.

Parker was previously the leading contender to meet Oleksandr Usyk subsequent to putting together an impressive six wins in a row, yet put his mandatory challenger status in jeopardy in London and endured a stoppage in round eleven.

Adverse Finding Along with Possible Outcomes

A standard screening conducted on Joseph Parker by the Voluntary Anti-Doping Agency the day of the match showed an adverse result and leaves the veteran boxer in a difficult position to clear his name.

Parker's promotional company published a statement declaring: "The anti-doping body alerted all relevant parties regarding Joseph Parker tested positive after a doping test carried out on the 25th October. While the matter is investigated, no additional comment will be made for now."

Career Background

The New Zealand boxer became world champion in 2016 before he surrendered the WBO title via unanimous decision to Anthony Joshua in Wales 24 months later.

Joseph Parker remained an active participant on British soil since then, having eight matches overall in Britain and relocating to Ireland for training camps under respected coach Andy Lee over the past few years.

Current Situation

Guided by Lee, the boxer recovered from his defeat in 2022 against Joe Joyce to achieve several successes which put him at the front of the line to challenge the champion before he was defeated to the British fighter.

Subsequent to Parker returned a failed test during the Wardley bout, reportedly for cocaine, an investigation about the test outcome has commenced.

• Parker tested positive for a prohibited substance.
• The test was conducted via the anti-doping agency on the fight day.
• The fighter now faces a possible suspension from boxing.
• His representatives released a statement acknowledging the failed examination.
• An investigation is now ongoing into the matter.