New Zealand's Joseph Parker Faces Imminent Suspension Following Positive Doping Test
The New Zealand heavyweight returned an adverse finding as part of a anti-doping examination administered the same day of his 11th-round stoppage to UK boxer Ipswich-born Wardley.
The Match Plus the Stakes
The British boxer together with the New Zealander participated in a pulsating contest staged in the UK capital in late October to determine who would become WBO mandatory challenger facing undisputed world heavyweight champion Ukrainian champion Usyk.
The fighter had been the primary candidate to face the champion subsequent to stringing together a remarkable six consecutive victories, but placed his shot at the title at stake in London and suffered an 11th-round defeat.
Positive Test and Possible Outcomes
A routine test administered to Joseph Parker via the anti-doping organization on the day of the bout came back positive which leaves the veteran boxer with a battle to demonstrate his cleanliness.
His promotion team issued an announcement declaring: "The anti-doping body informed all relevant parties about Parker returned an adverse finding following a doping test administered on the 25th October. While the matter is investigated, no more comments will be made for now."
Professional History
Joseph Parker became world champion in 2016 prior to he was defeated for his championship belt via unanimous decision against Anthony Joshua in Wales 24 months later.
The fighter has been a regular competitor in the UK from that point, competing in eight bouts overall in Britain and relocating to Ireland for fight camps alongside respected coach former champion Lee over the past few years.
Recent Developments
Guided by Lee, the boxer overcame the 2022 setback to Joe Joyce to secure a string of victories that placed him front of the queue to face Oleksandr Usyk prior to he suffered defeat to the British fighter.
Subsequent to Parker's sample showed an adverse finding during the Wardley bout, reportedly for cocaine, an inquiry about the test outcome has been started.
- Parker tested positive for an illegal substance.
- The examination was administered by Vada on October 25th.
- Joseph Parker now faces disciplinary action from competition.
- His representatives released an announcement addressing the positive test.
- A formal inquiry is now ongoing about the situation.
