Joseph Parker produced a positive sample during a anti-doping examination conducted the very day of his 11th-round loss to English fighter Fabio Wardley.
The Match Plus the Implications
Fabio Wardley together with the New Zealander participated in a thrilling bout held in London in late October to establish the identity of the mandatory WBO contender facing undisputed world heavyweight champion Oleksandr Usyk.
Parker had been next in line to challenge Usyk subsequent to putting together a notable six wins in a row, yet placed his contender position on the line in the UK and endured an 11th-round defeat.
Failed Examination Along with Potential Consequences
An ordinary examination conducted on Joseph Parker by the Voluntary Anti-Doping Agency the day he fought showed an adverse result and leaves the veteran boxer with a battle to clear his name.
Parker's promotional company issued a communique which read: "The anti-doping body informed all relevant parties about Parker returned an adverse finding following a drug screening administered on October 25th. While the matter is investigated, no more comments are forthcoming currently."
Career Background
The New Zealand boxer became titleholder back in 2016 prior to he lost his WBO belt through a points decision versus British star Joshua at the Millennium Stadium 24 months later.
The fighter became a frequent visitor in the UK since then, competing in eight bouts in total in Britain and relocating to the Irish capital for training camps alongside respected coach Andy Lee in recent years.
Latest Events
Under the tutelage of Lee, the boxer bounced back from his defeat in 2022 against British heavyweight Joyce to secure several successes that placed him as the top contender to face Usyk before he suffered defeat against Wardley.
Following the boxer produced an adverse finding during the Wardley bout, allegedly for cocaine, a probe regarding the results has been started.
- The boxer failed a drug test for a banned substance.
- The examination was conducted via the anti-doping agency the day of the bout.
- Parker now faces disciplinary action from the sport.
- Queensberry published a comment confirming the adverse finding.
- An investigation has been in progress about the situation.
