New Zealand's Joseph Parker Confronts Possible Ban Due to Positive Drugs Test
Former world champion Parker returned an adverse finding in a drugs test carried out the very day of his 11th-round stoppage against UK boxer Ipswich-born Wardley.
The Match and Its Implications
Wardley together with the New Zealander engaged in a thrilling bout in London in late October to establish who would become WBO mandatory challenger to unified heavyweight titleholder Ukrainian champion Usyk.
The fighter had been next in line to challenge the champion following stringing together an impressive six wins in a row, yet put his shot at the title on the line during the bout and experienced an 11th-round defeat.
Failed Examination and Implications
An ordinary examination administered to Joseph Parker via Vada the day of the match showed an adverse result and leaves Parker facing a challenge to demonstrate his cleanliness.
His promotion team issued a communique which read: "The agency informed everyone involved regarding Joseph Parker returned an adverse finding subsequent to a drug screening administered on the 25th October. As the investigation continues, no further statements are planned currently."
Professional History
The New Zealand boxer was crowned world champion back in 2016 prior to he surrendered his championship belt through a points decision to Anthony Joshua in Cardiff 24 months later.
Parker has been an active participant in the UK from that point, competing in eight bouts altogether in Britain and moving to Ireland for fight camps under respected coach Andy Lee in recent years.
Latest Events
Under the tutelage of Lee, Parker overcame his 2022 loss to Joe Joyce to chalk up several successes that placed him front of the queue to face the champion prior to he was defeated to the British fighter.
Subsequent to the boxer produced a positive test on the day of the Wardley fight, reportedly involving cocaine, an inquiry into the findings is underway.
- Joseph Parker failed a drug test for a prohibited substance.
- The screening was administered by Vada the day of the bout.
- The fighter is confronting disciplinary action from the sport.
- His promotional team released an announcement confirming the positive test.
- A formal inquiry has been ongoing into the matter.
