Joseph Parker Confronts Possible Suspension After Positive Drugs Test

The New Zealand heavyweight tested positive in a doping test administered the same day he fought in 11th-round loss versus English fighter Ipswich-born Wardley.

The Fight Along with Its Stakes

Wardley together with the New Zealander were part of an intense bout in London in late October to establish who would become WBO mandatory challenger to reigning heavyweight king Ukrainian champion Usyk.

Parker had positioned himself as the leading contender to meet the champion following stringing together an impressive six-fight winning streak, yet put his mandatory challenger status in jeopardy in London and endured an 11th-round defeat.

Positive Test and Potential Consequences

An ordinary examination administered to the boxer via the anti-doping organization on the day of the bout returned positive and leaves the 36-year-old facing a challenge to prove his innocence.

The boxer's representatives released an announcement which read: "Vada alerted all relevant parties that Joseph Parker had a positive result following an anti-doping test conducted on October 25th. During the ongoing inquiry, no additional comment are planned for now."

Boxing Journey

Parker earned the title of titleholder back in 2016 before he lost the WBO title via unanimous decision against Anthony Joshua in Cardiff 24 months later.

Joseph Parker remained a frequent visitor on British soil since then, having eight matches in total in the UK and relocating to Dublin for preparation alongside highly regarded trainer Andy Lee during this period.

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Coached by Andy Lee, Parker bounced back from his defeat in 2022 to Joe Joyce to chalk up a string of victories which put him at the front of the line to face Usyk prior to he suffered defeat to Wardley.

Following the boxer produced an adverse finding when he fought Wardley, allegedly for cocaine, a probe about the test outcome has been started.

• Parker failed a drug test for an illegal substance.
• The screening was administered by Vada on the fight day.
• Parker now faces disciplinary action from competition.
• His representatives released an announcement confirming the positive test.
• An investigation has been underway regarding the case.