Boxer Joseph Parker Faces Possible Suspension Due to Failed Doping Test
Former world champion Parker tested positive in a doping test conducted the same day of his 11th-round defeat against British heavyweight Ipswich-born Wardley.
The Match Along with Its Consequences
The British boxer together with Joseph Parker were part of an intense bout held in London last October to determine the next WBO mandatory challenger against unified heavyweight titleholder Ukrainian champion Usyk.
Joseph Parker was previously the leading contender to meet Oleksandr Usyk subsequent to stringing together a notable six-fight winning streak, however risked his mandatory challenger status on the line during the bout and endured an 11th-round defeat.
Failed Examination Along with Implications
A standard screening conducted on Parker through the anti-doping organization on the day of the bout came back positive and now leaves the 36-year-old in a difficult position to clear his name.
The boxer's representatives published an announcement declaring: "Vada notified everyone involved regarding Joseph Parker had a positive result following an anti-doping test conducted on the 25th October. During the ongoing inquiry, no additional comment will be made for now."
Professional History
Parker was crowned heavyweight champion back in 2016 prior to he lost his championship belt through a points decision versus Anthony Joshua in Wales two years later.
Joseph Parker became a regular competitor in the UK after that, competing in eight bouts altogether in the UK and relocating to the Irish capital for preparation alongside respected coach Andy Lee over the past few years.
Recent Developments
Coached by Andy Lee, the boxer overcame his 2022 loss to British heavyweight Joyce to secure several successes which put him at the front of the line to face Oleksandr Usyk until he lost against Wardley.
After Parker's sample showed an adverse finding during the Wardley bout, reportedly involving cocaine, an investigation about the test outcome is underway.
- Parker failed a drug test for a banned substance.
- The test was conducted by Vada on October 25th.
- Joseph Parker is confronting disciplinary action from competition.
- His representatives has issued a statement acknowledging the positive test.
- A formal inquiry is now ongoing into the matter.
