Boxer Joseph Parker Faces Potential Suspension Due to Positive Anti-Doping Test

The New Zealand heavyweight returned an adverse finding during a drugs test carried out on the day he fought in 11th-round loss against British heavyweight Fabio Wardley.

The Match Plus the Implications

The British boxer together with the New Zealander engaged in a pulsating contest in London last October to determine the identity of the mandatory WBO contender to undisputed world heavyweight champion Ukrainian champion Usyk.

Parker was previously next in line to meet Oleksandr Usyk after putting together a remarkable six wins in a row, yet risked his mandatory challenger status on the line in London and experienced a stoppage in round eleven.

Failed Examination Plus Possible Outcomes

A routine test administered to Joseph Parker by Vada the day of the match came back positive and leaves the veteran boxer with a battle to demonstrate his cleanliness.

His promotion team issued a statement declaring: "The agency alerted all relevant parties that Joseph Parker returned an adverse finding after a drug screening carried out on October 25th. While the matter is investigated, no additional comment will be made at this time."

Boxing Journey

The New Zealand boxer was crowned titleholder back in 2016 until he lost the WBO title via unanimous decision versus British star Joshua in Wales in 2018.

Parker has been a regular competitor across the United Kingdom from that point, fighting eight times in total on UK territory and transferring to Ireland for preparation alongside highly regarded trainer former champion Lee during this period.

Current Situation

Coached by Andy Lee, the boxer overcame his 2022 loss versus British heavyweight Joyce to achieve several successes that placed him front of the queue to face Usyk prior to he lost to the British fighter.

After Parker's sample showed a failed test when he fought Wardley, allegedly for cocaine, a probe into the findings has commenced.

• The boxer failed a drug test for a banned substance.
• The screening was conducted via the anti-doping agency on October 25th.
• The fighter is confronting a potential ban from the sport.
• His representatives published a comment addressing the failed examination.
• A review has been in progress about the situation.