Joseph Parker Faces Possible Ban Due to Failed Doping Test
Joseph Parker tested positive in a doping test administered the very day he faced 11th-round defeat against English fighter Fabio Wardley.
The Match Along with Its Consequences
Fabio Wardley along with Parker participated in a pulsating bout in London in late October to decide the next next in line for the WBO to unified heavyweight titleholder Oleksandr Usyk.
Parker had positioned himself as the leading contender to challenge 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 endured an 11th-round stoppage.
Adverse Finding Along with Potential Consequences
An ordinary examination administered to Parker through the anti-doping organization on the day of the bout came back positive which leaves the 36-year-old with a battle to prove his innocence.
The boxer's representatives issued a statement which read: "Vada informed all relevant parties that Joseph Parker tested positive subsequent to a drug screening administered on the fight day. During the ongoing inquiry, no more comments are forthcoming at this time."
Professional History
Joseph Parker earned the title of titleholder back in 2016 until he surrendered his championship belt through a points decision against Anthony Joshua in Cardiff in 2018.
The fighter became an active participant in the UK since then, fighting eight times in total on UK territory and relocating to the Irish capital for fight camps with respected coach Andy Lee in recent years.
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Guided by Lee, the boxer bounced back from his defeat in 2022 to Joe Joyce to secure a string of victories which put him at the front of the line to meet the champion prior to he lost to the British fighter.
After the boxer produced an adverse finding during the Wardley bout, allegedly for cocaine, an inquiry regarding the results is underway.
- The boxer tested positive for an illegal substance.
- The examination was administered by Vada on the fight day.
- Parker now faces disciplinary action from boxing.
- His promotional team released a comment confirming the adverse finding.
- A review is now underway regarding the case.
