Boxer Joseph Parker Could Receive Imminent Ban Due to Failed Doping Test

The New Zealand heavyweight returned an adverse finding in a doping test administered the very day he fought in 11th-round defeat against British heavyweight Fabio Wardley.

The Bout Plus the Stakes

Fabio Wardley together with Parker engaged in an intense bout held in London last October to establish the identity of the WBO mandatory challenger to undisputed world heavyweight champion Ukrainian champion Usyk.

Parker had been next in line to meet the champion following stringing together an impressive six wins in a row, however risked his mandatory challenger status at stake in the UK and endured a stoppage in round eleven.

Failed Examination Plus Potential Consequences

An ordinary examination administered to Joseph Parker by the Voluntary Anti-Doping Agency on the day of the bout showed an adverse result and leaves the veteran boxer in a difficult position to clear his name.

His promotion team issued a communique stating: "The anti-doping body notified everyone involved about Parker tested positive subsequent to a drug screening carried out on the fight day. While the matter is investigated, no more comments are planned currently."

Professional History

The New Zealand boxer earned the title of world champion in 2016 until he surrendered his championship belt through a points decision versus British star Joshua in Cardiff two years later.

The fighter remained an active participant across the United Kingdom after that, fighting eight times altogether in the UK and moving to the Irish capital for fight camps with esteemed mentor Andy Lee in recent years.

Current Situation

Under the tutelage of Lee, Joseph Parker overcame his 2022 loss against Joe Joyce to achieve several successes positioning him as the top contender to challenge Oleksandr Usyk before he lost to Wardley.

After Parker returned a positive test on the day of the Wardley fight, allegedly for cocaine, a probe regarding the results has commenced.

• The boxer returned an adverse finding for a prohibited substance.
• The screening was conducted via the anti-doping agency on the fight day.
• The fighter now faces disciplinary action from the sport.
• His promotional team has issued a statement addressing the positive test.
• A review has been ongoing about the situation.