New Zealand's Joseph Parker Confronts Potential Suspension After Failed Drugs Test
The New Zealand heavyweight returned an adverse finding during a doping test carried out the very day of his 11th-round defeat against UK boxer Fabio Wardley.
The Match Along with Its Stakes
The British boxer along with Parker were part of an intense encounter held in London last October to determine the next next in line for the WBO against undisputed world heavyweight champion Oleksandr Usyk.
The fighter had positioned himself as the leading contender to face Usyk after stringing together an impressive six consecutive victories, yet placed his contender position in jeopardy during the bout and experienced an 11th-round stoppage.
Positive Test Plus Implications
A routine test given to the boxer via Vada the day of the match showed an adverse result and now leaves the 36-year-old in a difficult position to demonstrate his cleanliness.
The boxer's representatives issued a statement declaring: "The anti-doping body alerted all required parties about Parker returned an adverse finding following a doping test conducted on the fight day. While the matter is investigated, no further statements will be made currently."
Professional History
Parker became heavyweight champion back in 2016 prior to he was defeated for his championship belt via unanimous decision against British star Joshua in Wales 24 months later.
Parker remained a regular competitor across the United Kingdom after that, having eight matches overall in the UK and moving to the Irish capital for preparation alongside highly regarded trainer Andy Lee during this period.
Current Situation
Guided by Lee, Joseph Parker bounced back from his defeat in 2022 against Joe Joyce to secure a string of victories that placed him at the front of the line to face the champion until he lost to the British fighter.
Following Parker's sample showed a failed test on the day of the Wardley fight, reportedly involving cocaine, an inquiry about the test outcome has been started.
- The boxer returned an adverse finding for a banned substance.
- The test took place by Vada the day of the bout.
- The fighter is confronting a possible suspension from the sport.
- Queensberry has issued a comment confirming the adverse finding.
- A review is currently in progress regarding the case.