Joseph Parker Faces Imminent Suspension After Positive Anti-Doping Test
The New Zealand heavyweight returned an adverse finding during a anti-doping examination conducted the very day he fought in 11th-round defeat versus UK boxer Fabio Wardley.
The Match Plus the Consequences
Fabio Wardley and the New Zealander engaged in an intense bout staged in the UK capital last October to determine the next next in line for the WBO to undisputed world heavyweight champion Oleksandr Usyk.
Joseph Parker had positioned himself as the leading contender to face Oleksandr Usyk after stringing together an impressive six consecutive victories, however put his contender position at stake in London and endured a stoppage in round eleven.
Adverse Finding Along with Potential Consequences
An ordinary examination administered to the boxer through the anti-doping organization the day of the match came back positive and now leaves Parker in a difficult position to prove his innocence.
His promotion team released a communique which read: "Vada informed all required parties regarding Joseph Parker had a positive result following a doping test administered on the fight day. While the matter is investigated, no additional comment are forthcoming for now."
Boxing Journey
Joseph Parker was crowned titleholder six years ago prior to he lost his WBO belt via unanimous decision versus Anthony Joshua in Wales two years later.
Parker has been a regular competitor in the UK from that point, competing in eight bouts altogether in Britain and moving to Ireland for preparation under esteemed mentor Andy Lee during this period.
Recent Developments
Guided by Lee, Joseph Parker overcame the 2022 setback versus British heavyweight Joyce to achieve multiple wins positioning him as the top contender to meet the champion prior to he lost to Wardley.
Subsequent to the boxer produced a positive test on the day of the Wardley fight, reportedly involving cocaine, an inquiry regarding the results has been started.
- Joseph Parker tested positive for a prohibited substance.
- The test was administered by Vada on October 25th.
- Parker is confronting disciplinary action from competition.
- His promotional team released an announcement acknowledging the positive test.
- A formal inquiry is now underway about the situation.