Boxer Joseph Parker Could Receive Possible Ban After Failed Anti-Doping Test
Former world champion Parker returned an adverse finding in a doping test conducted the very day he fought in 11th-round loss against British heavyweight Fabio Wardley.
The Fight and Its Stakes
Wardley together with Parker participated in a pulsating contest in London last October to decide the next mandatory WBO contender to unified heavyweight titleholder Oleksandr Usyk.
Parker had been the leading contender to face Oleksandr Usyk after stringing together a notable six consecutive victories, but placed his shot at the title at stake during the bout and suffered an 11th-round stoppage.
Adverse Finding and Potential Consequences
A standard screening administered to Joseph Parker through Vada the day of the match came back positive which leaves the veteran boxer facing a challenge to demonstrate his cleanliness.
His promotion team issued an announcement which read: "Vada alerted all relevant parties that Joseph Parker tested positive subsequent to an anti-doping test conducted on October 25th. While the matter is investigated, no more comments are planned for now."
Career Background
Parker was crowned world champion back in 2016 before he lost the WBO title by unanimous decision versus British star Joshua at the Millennium Stadium in 2018.
The fighter became a frequent visitor on British soil since then, competing in eight bouts altogether in Britain and moving to the Irish capital for training camps alongside highly regarded trainer Andy Lee during this period.
Recent Developments
Coached by Andy Lee, Parker recovered from his defeat in 2022 against Joe Joyce to secure several successes which put him at the front of the line to meet the champion prior to he suffered defeat against Wardley.
After Parker returned a failed test on the day of the Wardley fight, reportedly for cocaine, an inquiry about the test outcome has commenced.
- Parker tested positive for a banned substance.
- The test was conducted through Vada the day of the bout.
- Joseph Parker is confronting a potential ban from the sport.
- His promotional team released a comment acknowledging the failed examination.
- A formal inquiry has been in progress regarding the case.