New Zealand's Joseph Parker Could Receive Potential Suspension Following Positive Doping Test
The New Zealand heavyweight returned an adverse finding during a anti-doping examination conducted the same day of his 11th-round loss versus British heavyweight Ipswich-born Wardley.
The Match Along with Its Stakes
Wardley and the New Zealander engaged in a pulsating contest held in London in late October to decide who would become mandatory WBO contender to unified heavyweight titleholder Ukrainian champion Usyk.
Parker had positioned himself as next in line to challenge Usyk following putting together a remarkable six wins in a row, yet risked his mandatory challenger status on the line in London and suffered an 11th-round stoppage.
Failed Examination Plus Potential Consequences
A routine test administered to Joseph Parker by the anti-doping organization on the day of the bout showed an adverse result and leaves Parker with a battle to demonstrate his cleanliness.
His promotion team published an announcement which read: "The anti-doping body informed everyone involved about Parker had a positive result after a doping test administered on October 25th. While the matter is investigated, no further statements are planned for now."
Boxing Journey
Parker became titleholder in 2016 until he was defeated for his WBO belt by unanimous decision to Anthony Joshua at the Millennium Stadium in 2018.
Parker became a regular competitor in the UK from that point, competing in eight bouts in total in Britain and transferring to Ireland for preparation with highly regarded trainer Andy Lee over the past few years.
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Guided by Lee, Parker overcame the 2022 setback to Joe Joyce to chalk up multiple wins positioning him at the front of the line to face Usyk before he was defeated to Wardley.
Following Parker's sample showed a failed test when he fought Wardley, reportedly for cocaine, a probe into the findings has been started.
- Parker returned an adverse finding for a prohibited substance.
- The test took place by Vada the day of the bout.
- Joseph Parker could receive disciplinary action from the sport.
- Queensberry has issued a comment confirming the failed examination.
- A review has been underway about the situation.
