Boxer Joseph Parker Faces Imminent Ban Due to Positive Anti-Doping Test
Former world champion Parker produced a positive sample in a drugs test conducted the very day of his 11th-round defeat to UK boxer Fabio Wardley.
The Match Plus the Stakes
Wardley along with Joseph Parker participated in an intense encounter staged in the UK capital on 25 October to determine the next WBO mandatory challenger against undisputed world heavyweight champion Oleksandr Usyk.
The fighter was previously the primary candidate to face the champion subsequent to compiling a remarkable six wins in a row, but risked his contender position in jeopardy in London and suffered a stoppage in round eleven.
Positive Test Along with Possible Outcomes
A standard screening given to Joseph Parker by the anti-doping organization on the day of the bout came back positive which leaves the veteran boxer with a battle to prove his innocence.
His promotion team published an announcement which read: "The agency informed everyone involved about Parker tested positive subsequent to a drug screening administered on the fight day. While the matter is investigated, no more comments are planned for now."
Career Background
Parker was crowned heavyweight champion six years ago until he surrendered his WBO belt by unanimous decision to Anthony Joshua in Cardiff in 2018.
The fighter has been a frequent visitor in the UK since then, competing in eight bouts altogether in Britain and transferring to the Irish capital for fight camps under respected coach Andy Lee during this period.
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Coached by Andy Lee, the boxer recovered from his 2022 loss against British heavyweight Joyce to achieve several successes that placed him as the top contender to face Usyk before he suffered defeat to Wardley.
Subsequent to Parker returned a failed test during the Wardley bout, reportedly for cocaine, an investigation regarding the results has commenced.
- Joseph Parker tested positive for an illegal substance.
- The screening was conducted by Vada on the fight day.
- The fighter is confronting disciplinary action from competition.
- His promotional team published a comment confirming the positive test.
- A formal inquiry is now underway regarding the case.