New Zealand's Joseph Parker Could Receive Possible Suspension Following Failed Anti-Doping Test
Former world champion Parker returned an adverse finding in a drugs test carried out the very day he faced 11th-round defeat to UK boxer Ipswich-born Wardley.
The Bout Plus the Consequences
The British boxer along with Joseph Parker engaged in a pulsating encounter in London on 25 October to determine the identity of the mandatory WBO contender to unified heavyweight titleholder Ukrainian champion Usyk.
Joseph Parker had positioned himself as the primary candidate to face the champion following putting together a remarkable six-fight winning streak, yet risked his shot at the title on the line during the bout and suffered an 11th-round defeat.
Failed Examination Plus Potential Consequences
An ordinary examination given to the boxer through Vada the day he fought showed an adverse result which leaves the veteran boxer in a difficult position to demonstrate his cleanliness.
Parker's promotional company published a statement stating: "The agency alerted everyone involved that Joseph Parker returned an adverse finding after a drug screening administered on October 25th. As the investigation continues, no further statements will be made at this time."
Professional History
The New Zealand boxer earned the title of world champion back in 2016 until he lost his championship belt by unanimous decision versus Anthony Joshua in Cardiff 24 months later.
Parker has been an active participant in the UK from that point, having eight matches in total in the UK and moving to the Irish capital for preparation alongside esteemed mentor Andy Lee during this period.
Recent Developments
Coached by Andy Lee, the boxer overcame his 2022 loss against British heavyweight Joyce to achieve a string of victories that placed him front of the queue to meet Oleksandr Usyk prior to he suffered defeat against Wardley.
Subsequent to the boxer produced an adverse finding on the day of the Wardley fight, allegedly for cocaine, a probe into the findings is underway.
- The boxer returned an adverse finding for a prohibited substance.
- The screening was administered via the anti-doping agency on the fight day.
- Parker now faces a possible suspension from competition.
- Queensberry published a comment addressing the failed examination.
- A formal inquiry is currently in progress into the matter.
