Boxer Joseph Parker Could Receive Possible Suspension Due to Positive Doping Test
Joseph Parker tested positive in a drugs test conducted the same day he faced 11th-round defeat versus UK boxer Ipswich-born Wardley.
The Fight Along with Its Implications
Wardley along with Parker engaged in an intense bout staged in the UK capital on 25 October to determine the identity of the WBO mandatory challenger against undisputed world heavyweight champion Ukrainian champion Usyk.
Parker had positioned himself as next in line to challenge Oleksandr Usyk following putting together an impressive six consecutive victories, yet put his mandatory challenger status at stake in the UK and experienced a stoppage in round eleven.
Positive Test Along with Implications
A standard screening conducted on the boxer by the anti-doping organization the day of the match showed an adverse result which leaves the 36-year-old with a battle to clear his name.
The boxer's representatives published a communique which read: "The agency informed everyone involved regarding Joseph Parker returned an adverse finding after a drug screening administered on the 25th October. During the ongoing inquiry, no further statements are planned for now."
Career Background
Joseph Parker was crowned titleholder in 2016 until he surrendered his championship belt via unanimous decision to Anthony Joshua at the Millennium Stadium 24 months later.
Parker remained a frequent visitor across the United Kingdom from that point, fighting eight times in total on UK territory and relocating to the Irish capital for training camps under highly regarded trainer former champion Lee over the past few years.
Recent Developments
Coached by Andy Lee, the boxer overcame the 2022 setback to Joe Joyce to chalk up a string of victories which put him as the top contender to meet Usyk before he was defeated against Wardley.
Subsequent to Parker's sample showed a positive test on the day of the Wardley fight, reportedly for cocaine, a probe about the test outcome is underway.
- Parker returned an adverse finding for a prohibited substance.
- The test was administered by Vada the day of the bout.
- Joseph Parker is confronting disciplinary action from boxing.
- His representatives released a statement addressing the positive test.
- A formal inquiry has been in progress into the matter.
