New Zealand's Joseph Parker Could Receive Potential Ban After Positive Anti-Doping Test

Joseph Parker tested positive as part of a anti-doping examination conducted the same day of his 11th-round stoppage to UK boxer Fabio Wardley.

The Match Along with Its Implications

Wardley together with the New Zealander were part of a pulsating contest held in London in late October to establish the identity of the mandatory WBO contender to undisputed world heavyweight champion Ukrainian champion Usyk.

Parker was previously the leading contender to meet Oleksandr Usyk after compiling a notable six wins in a row, but risked his mandatory challenger status in jeopardy in the UK and experienced an 11th-round defeat.

Failed Examination Plus Potential Consequences

An ordinary examination given to Joseph Parker by the Voluntary Anti-Doping Agency on the day of the bout showed an adverse result and now leaves Parker with a battle to prove his innocence.

His promotion team issued an announcement declaring: "The anti-doping body notified everyone involved that Joseph Parker had a positive result subsequent to a doping test conducted on October 25th. While the matter is investigated, no additional comment are planned currently."

Career Background

Parker was crowned heavyweight champion back in 2016 before he surrendered the WBO title through a points decision versus Anthony Joshua in Cardiff two years later.

The fighter remained an active participant in the UK after that, fighting eight times in total in Britain and relocating to Ireland for training camps with esteemed mentor Andy Lee during this period.

Current Situation

Guided by Lee, the boxer overcame his 2022 loss to Joe Joyce to secure several successes positioning him at the front of the line to face Usyk before he suffered defeat to Wardley.

Following the boxer produced an adverse finding when he fought Wardley, reportedly involving cocaine, an investigation regarding the results is underway.

• Joseph Parker returned an adverse finding for a prohibited substance.
• The test was administered by Vada on October 25th.
• Parker could receive disciplinary action from competition.
• Queensberry has issued an announcement addressing the failed examination.
• A formal inquiry is now ongoing about the situation.