Boxer Joseph Parker Could Receive Possible Suspension Following Positive Anti-Doping Test
Former world champion Parker returned an adverse finding during a anti-doping examination carried out on the day of his 11th-round defeat versus English fighter Ipswich-born Wardley.
The Bout Along with Its Stakes
The British boxer together with the New Zealander participated in a thrilling contest staged in the UK capital in late October to determine the identity of the WBO mandatory challenger to unified heavyweight titleholder Ukrainian champion Usyk.
Joseph Parker had been the leading contender to face Usyk after putting together a remarkable six wins in a row, yet risked his mandatory challenger status at stake during the bout and suffered a stoppage in round eleven.
Adverse Finding and Possible Outcomes
An ordinary examination given to Joseph Parker through the anti-doping organization the day he fought returned positive and now leaves Parker in a difficult position to demonstrate his cleanliness.
Parker's promotional company published a communique which read: "The anti-doping body notified all required parties regarding Joseph Parker tested positive subsequent to an anti-doping test carried out on the 25th October. While the matter is investigated, no additional comment will be made currently."
Career Background
Parker was crowned heavyweight champion back in 2016 before he lost his WBO belt by unanimous decision against British star Joshua at the Millennium Stadium two years later.
Parker remained a regular competitor on British soil from that point, competing in eight bouts in total in Britain and transferring to Dublin for training camps with esteemed mentor former champion Lee over the past few years.
Latest Events
Under the tutelage of Lee, Joseph Parker overcame his 2022 loss against Joe Joyce to chalk up multiple wins which put him as the top contender to meet the champion until he lost to Wardley.
After Parker's sample showed a positive test on the day of the Wardley fight, reportedly for cocaine, a probe about the test outcome has commenced.
- Joseph Parker returned an adverse finding for a banned substance.
- The test was conducted via the anti-doping agency the day of the bout.
- Parker now faces a possible suspension from the sport.
- Queensberry published a statement confirming the failed examination.
- A review has been ongoing about the situation.
