Boxer Joseph Parker Faces Potential Ban Due to Positive Drugs Test

The New Zealand heavyweight returned an adverse finding during a doping test carried out the same day he faced 11th-round stoppage to English fighter Ipswich-born Wardley.

The Fight and Its Stakes

Fabio Wardley along with Joseph Parker participated in a pulsating bout staged in the UK capital in late October to decide the identity of the WBO mandatory challenger against unified heavyweight titleholder Oleksandr Usyk.

Parker had been the primary candidate to meet Oleksandr Usyk following stringing together an impressive six wins in a row, yet put his contender position at stake during the bout and suffered an 11th-round defeat.

Failed Examination Plus Potential Consequences

A standard screening administered to Parker via the anti-doping organization on the day of the bout showed an adverse result which leaves the 36-year-old in a difficult position to clear his name.

Parker's promotional company published a communique which read: "The agency informed all relevant parties about Parker returned an adverse finding following an anti-doping test administered on October 25th. During the ongoing inquiry, no further statements are forthcoming currently."

Boxing Journey

The New Zealand boxer was crowned world champion six years ago before he lost his championship belt by unanimous decision against British star Joshua in Wales in 2018.

Joseph Parker remained a regular competitor on British soil after that, competing in eight bouts overall in the UK and moving to Dublin for training camps under esteemed mentor Andy Lee during this period.

Current Situation

Under the tutelage of Lee, Parker recovered from the 2022 setback against Joe Joyce to secure multiple wins that placed him front of the queue to challenge the champion before he suffered defeat to Wardley.

Subsequent to the boxer produced an adverse finding during the Wardley bout, reportedly involving cocaine, an investigation about the test outcome is underway.

• Joseph Parker returned an adverse finding for an illegal substance.
• The screening took place through Vada the day of the bout.
• Parker is confronting a possible suspension from the sport.
• His representatives published an announcement acknowledging the positive test.
• A review is now in progress regarding the case.