Boxer Joseph Parker Could Receive Potential Suspension After Positive Drugs Test
Joseph Parker returned an adverse finding during a drugs test carried out the same day he faced 11th-round stoppage to British heavyweight Ipswich-born Wardley.
The Match Plus the Consequences
Fabio Wardley together with the New Zealander participated in a thrilling encounter held in London last October to determine the next mandatory WBO contender facing unified heavyweight titleholder Oleksandr Usyk.
Joseph Parker had positioned himself as next in line to challenge the champion after compiling an impressive six wins in a row, yet put his shot at the title on the line in the UK and experienced a stoppage in round eleven.
Adverse Finding Plus Possible Outcomes
A routine test administered to the boxer via Vada on the day of the bout returned positive and now leaves the 36-year-old facing a challenge to clear his name.
His promotion team issued an announcement stating: "Vada alerted everyone involved that Joseph Parker returned an adverse finding after an anti-doping test carried out on October 25th. During the ongoing inquiry, no further statements will be made at this time."
Professional History
Parker was crowned titleholder back in 2016 until he lost the WBO title through a points decision to British star Joshua in Cardiff in 2018.
Parker remained a regular competitor in the UK from that point, fighting eight times in total in the UK and relocating to Dublin for fight camps with highly regarded trainer former champion Lee in recent years.
Current Situation
Under the tutelage of Lee, Joseph Parker recovered from his 2022 loss to British heavyweight Joyce to achieve several successes positioning him at the front of the line to meet Usyk before he was defeated to Wardley.
Following the boxer produced an adverse finding when he fought Wardley, reportedly for cocaine, an inquiry regarding the results is underway.
- The boxer tested positive for an illegal substance.
- The screening was conducted through Vada the day of the bout.
- The fighter is confronting a possible suspension from the sport.
- His representatives has issued an announcement acknowledging the failed examination.
- A formal inquiry is now ongoing regarding the case.
