Boxer Joseph Parker Faces Potential Ban After Positive Anti-Doping Test

Joseph Parker tested positive as part of a anti-doping examination carried out the very day he faced 11th-round stoppage against English fighter Ipswich-born Wardley.

The Fight and Its Stakes

Wardley and the New Zealander were part of a pulsating bout staged in the UK capital on 25 October to decide the identity of the mandatory WBO contender facing undisputed world heavyweight champion Oleksandr Usyk.

The fighter had been next in line to challenge Oleksandr Usyk subsequent to putting together a remarkable six-fight winning streak, however put his mandatory challenger status in jeopardy in London and suffered an 11th-round stoppage.

Positive Test Plus Potential Consequences

An ordinary examination given to Parker via the Voluntary Anti-Doping Agency the day of the match showed an adverse result and leaves Parker facing a challenge to demonstrate his cleanliness.

His promotion team issued a statement declaring: "The anti-doping body informed all required parties about Parker had a positive result following a doping test administered on the 25th October. During the ongoing inquiry, no further statements will be made currently."

Boxing Journey

Joseph Parker earned the title of heavyweight champion back in 2016 prior to he was defeated for his championship belt via unanimous decision against British star Joshua in Wales 24 months later.

Parker has been a regular competitor across the United Kingdom after that, fighting eight times in total in Britain and transferring to Dublin for training camps with highly regarded trainer Andy Lee in recent years.

Recent Developments

Coached by Andy Lee, Parker recovered from the 2022 setback versus British heavyweight Joyce to secure a string of victories which put him front of the queue to challenge Usyk prior to he lost to the British fighter.

Subsequent to the boxer produced a positive test during the Wardley bout, reportedly for cocaine, a probe about the test outcome has commenced.

• The boxer tested positive for a prohibited substance.
• The screening was administered through Vada the day of the bout.
• The fighter could receive a possible suspension from the sport.
• Queensberry released a statement acknowledging the failed examination.
• A formal inquiry has been ongoing about the situation.