Joseph Parker Could Receive Potential Suspension Due to Positive Doping Test
Former world champion Parker tested positive in a doping test conducted the same day he faced 11th-round loss against British heavyweight Fabio Wardley.
The Fight and Its Implications
Fabio Wardley along with Joseph Parker participated in a pulsating bout held in London on 25 October to decide the next WBO mandatory challenger against unified heavyweight titleholder Oleksandr Usyk.
Parker was previously the primary candidate to face the champion following putting together an impressive six consecutive victories, yet placed his mandatory challenger status in jeopardy during the bout and endured a stoppage in round eleven.
Adverse Finding Plus Potential Consequences
A routine test administered to the boxer via Vada on the day of the bout returned positive and now leaves the 36-year-old facing a challenge to prove his innocence.
His promotion team issued a communique declaring: "Vada notified all required parties regarding Joseph Parker had a positive result after an anti-doping test carried out on October 25th. As the investigation continues, no further statements are forthcoming at this time."
Boxing Journey
Parker became heavyweight champion in 2016 until he surrendered his championship belt by unanimous decision versus British star Joshua at the Millennium Stadium two years later.
Joseph Parker has been a frequent visitor on British soil since then, fighting eight times overall in the UK and relocating to Ireland for training camps with esteemed mentor former champion Lee in recent years.
Recent Developments
Under the tutelage of Lee, Joseph Parker overcame his 2022 loss to British heavyweight Joyce to chalk up several successes positioning him as the top contender to face the champion before he lost against Wardley.
Following Parker returned a failed test when he fought Wardley, reportedly involving cocaine, an inquiry about the test outcome is underway.
- Joseph Parker failed a drug test for a banned substance.
- The screening was conducted by Vada on the fight day.
- Parker could receive a possible suspension from the sport.
- Queensberry published a statement confirming the failed examination.
- An investigation is currently underway regarding the case.
