New Zealand's Joseph Parker Confronts Imminent Ban After Positive Anti-Doping Test

Joseph Parker returned an adverse finding as part of a drugs test administered the very day he fought in 11th-round stoppage versus UK boxer Ipswich-born Wardley.

The Match Along with Its Implications

The British boxer together with Joseph Parker were part of an intense bout held in London last October to establish the next WBO mandatory challenger against undisputed world heavyweight champion Oleksandr Usyk.

Joseph Parker had been next in line to meet Oleksandr Usyk after putting together a notable six-fight winning streak, yet risked his mandatory challenger status at stake in London and endured a stoppage in round eleven.

Adverse Finding Along with Implications

A standard screening conducted on the boxer via the anti-doping organization the day of the match came back positive and leaves Parker with a battle to demonstrate his cleanliness.

His promotion team issued a statement declaring: "Vada informed all relevant parties that Joseph Parker tested positive after an anti-doping test carried out on the 25th October. During the ongoing inquiry, no further statements are forthcoming currently."

Professional History

The New Zealand boxer was crowned world champion in 2016 before he was defeated for the WBO title by unanimous decision versus Anthony Joshua in Wales 24 months later.

Joseph Parker remained an active participant in the UK from that point, having eight matches in total in Britain and moving to Dublin for training camps with respected coach Andy Lee in recent years.

Recent Developments

Guided by Lee, Parker bounced back from his 2022 loss against British heavyweight Joyce to secure a string of victories positioning him front of the queue to meet Oleksandr Usyk before he was defeated to Wardley.

Subsequent to Parker's sample showed a positive test on the day of the Wardley fight, reportedly involving cocaine, an investigation regarding the results is underway.

• Joseph Parker failed a drug test for a prohibited substance.
• The test was administered via the anti-doping agency on October 25th.
• Parker is confronting a potential ban from competition.
• His promotional team released an announcement confirming the failed examination.
• An investigation has been underway into the matter.