Joseph Parker Confronts Imminent Suspension After Positive Doping Test
Former world champion Parker returned an adverse finding as part of a drugs test conducted on the day of his 11th-round defeat versus British heavyweight Fabio Wardley.
The Fight and Its Implications
Fabio Wardley together with Parker engaged in an intense bout staged in the UK capital on 25 October to determine the next next in line for the WBO facing undisputed world heavyweight champion Oleksandr Usyk.
Parker had been the leading contender to face Oleksandr Usyk following putting together a remarkable six wins in a row, however put his contender position at stake in London and experienced an 11th-round defeat.
Positive Test Along with Possible Outcomes
An ordinary examination conducted on Parker via Vada the day he fought returned positive which leaves Parker in a difficult position to prove his innocence.
The boxer's representatives issued an announcement which read: "The anti-doping body alerted all required parties regarding Joseph Parker tested positive after a drug screening carried out on the fight day. During the ongoing inquiry, no additional comment will be made for now."
Professional History
Parker was crowned titleholder back in 2016 before he was defeated for his WBO belt by unanimous decision to Anthony Joshua in Cardiff in 2018.
Joseph Parker remained a frequent visitor across the United Kingdom since then, fighting eight times altogether in Britain and transferring to Ireland for fight camps under respected coach former champion Lee over the past few years.
Latest Events
Under the tutelage of Lee, the boxer overcame his 2022 loss versus Joe Joyce to achieve a string of victories positioning him as the top contender to challenge Oleksandr Usyk until he lost to Wardley.
After Parker's sample showed an adverse finding during the Wardley bout, reportedly involving cocaine, a probe regarding the results is underway.
- Joseph Parker failed a drug test for a prohibited substance.
- The screening was conducted through Vada on October 25th.
- The fighter now faces disciplinary action from boxing.
- Queensberry has issued a statement acknowledging the positive test.
- A review has been ongoing into the matter.
