Boxer Joseph Parker Could Receive Imminent Ban After Positive Doping Test
Joseph Parker produced a positive sample as part of a anti-doping examination conducted on the day of his 11th-round defeat versus English fighter Fabio Wardley.
The Bout Plus the Stakes
The British boxer together with Joseph Parker engaged in an intense bout staged in the UK capital in late October to establish who would become mandatory WBO contender to undisputed world heavyweight champion Oleksandr Usyk.
The fighter was previously next in line to meet the champion subsequent to putting together a remarkable six-fight winning streak, yet placed his mandatory challenger status on the line during the bout and endured a stoppage in round eleven.
Failed Examination Plus Potential Consequences
An ordinary examination conducted on Joseph Parker via the Voluntary Anti-Doping Agency on the day of the bout showed an adverse result and leaves Parker with a battle to prove his innocence.
His promotion team issued an announcement which read: "The agency informed all required parties about Parker tested positive subsequent to a doping test conducted on the 25th October. While the matter is investigated, no additional comment will be made at this time."
Professional History
Parker earned the title of titleholder in 2016 until he was defeated for his WBO belt through a points decision against Anthony Joshua in Cardiff in 2018.
Parker became a frequent visitor in the UK after that, competing in eight bouts altogether on UK territory and moving to the Irish capital for fight camps with highly regarded trainer Andy Lee over the past few years.
Recent Developments
Under the tutelage of Lee, the boxer recovered from the 2022 setback against Joe Joyce to chalk up a string of victories that placed him at the front of the line to challenge Oleksandr Usyk until he suffered defeat to the British fighter.
After Parker returned a failed test during the Wardley bout, reportedly for cocaine, an investigation regarding the results has commenced.
- The boxer tested positive for a prohibited substance.
- The test was administered through Vada the day of the bout.
- The fighter now faces a possible suspension from boxing.
- Queensberry has issued a statement acknowledging the failed examination.
- A review is now in progress into the matter.
