New Zealand's Joseph Parker Faces Potential Suspension Following Positive Drugs Test
Former world champion Parker produced a positive sample as part of a anti-doping examination carried out on the day he fought in 11th-round loss against British heavyweight Fabio Wardley.
The Match Plus the Stakes
Wardley together with Joseph Parker were part of a pulsating encounter staged in the UK capital in late October to decide the next WBO mandatory challenger against undisputed world heavyweight champion Ukrainian champion Usyk.
Parker had positioned himself as the primary candidate to face Usyk following putting together a notable six consecutive victories, yet risked his shot at the title at stake in London and suffered an 11th-round stoppage.
Positive Test Plus Potential Consequences
A standard screening conducted on Parker via the anti-doping organization the day of the match returned positive which leaves the veteran boxer with a battle to prove his innocence.
Parker's promotional company released an announcement stating: "The anti-doping body alerted all required parties that Joseph Parker had a positive result following an anti-doping test administered on the fight day. During the ongoing inquiry, no additional comment are planned at this time."
Professional History
Parker was crowned world champion back in 2016 prior to he was defeated for his championship belt through a points decision to British star Joshua at the Millennium Stadium in 2018.
Parker remained a frequent visitor on British soil since then, fighting eight times overall in Britain and transferring to Dublin for fight camps with respected coach Andy Lee in recent years.
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Coached by Andy Lee, Parker overcame his 2022 loss versus Joe Joyce to achieve several successes that placed him as the top contender to challenge Usyk before he suffered defeat against Wardley.
After the boxer produced a positive test on the day of the Wardley fight, allegedly for cocaine, an inquiry about the test outcome has been started.
- Parker failed a drug test for a prohibited substance.
- The examination took place via the anti-doping agency on the fight day.
- Joseph Parker is confronting a potential ban from the sport.
- His promotional team released a comment confirming the positive test.
- A formal inquiry has been underway into the matter.
