Boxer Joseph Parker Could Receive Imminent Ban After Positive Doping Test
Former world champion Parker produced a positive sample as part of a drugs test administered the very day he fought in 11th-round loss versus British heavyweight Ipswich-born Wardley.
The Fight Along with Its Implications
Fabio Wardley along with Parker were part of an intense contest staged in the UK capital last October to determine the identity of the next in line for the WBO against unified heavyweight titleholder Ukrainian champion Usyk.
Parker had been the primary candidate to challenge the champion following compiling a remarkable six wins in a row, however risked his mandatory challenger status in jeopardy in the UK and experienced a stoppage in round eleven.
Failed Examination Along with Possible Outcomes
An ordinary examination administered to Parker through Vada the day he fought came back positive which leaves the veteran boxer with a battle to prove his innocence.
The boxer's representatives released a statement declaring: "The anti-doping body alerted all relevant parties about Parker returned an adverse finding after a drug screening conducted on the fight day. While the matter is investigated, no further statements will be made for now."
Professional History
Parker earned the title of heavyweight champion back in 2016 before he surrendered his championship belt via unanimous decision to British star Joshua in Cardiff in 2018.
Joseph Parker remained a regular competitor on British soil after that, competing in eight bouts overall in Britain and moving to the Irish capital for preparation alongside highly regarded trainer Andy Lee in recent years.
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Coached by Andy Lee, the boxer bounced back from his defeat in 2022 versus Joe Joyce to secure multiple wins which put him front of the queue to face Usyk before he suffered defeat against Wardley.
Following the boxer produced a failed test when he fought Wardley, reportedly for cocaine, a probe regarding the results has commenced.
- Parker returned an adverse finding for an illegal substance.
- The examination took place by Vada on October 25th.
- Parker is confronting a potential ban from boxing.
- Queensberry published a statement acknowledging the adverse finding.
- A review is now ongoing into the matter.