New Zealand's Joseph Parker Faces Possible Ban Following Failed Drugs Test

Joseph Parker tested positive during a doping test administered the same day he faced 11th-round stoppage versus British heavyweight Fabio Wardley.

The Fight Along with Its Stakes

The British boxer along with Parker were part of an intense bout held in London on 25 October to determine the next next in line for the WBO facing unified heavyweight titleholder Oleksandr Usyk.

The fighter had positioned himself as the primary candidate to challenge Oleksandr Usyk following stringing together an impressive six wins in a row, but placed his mandatory challenger status at stake in London and endured an 11th-round stoppage.

Adverse Finding Along with Possible Outcomes

A routine test administered to Joseph Parker by the anti-doping organization the day he fought showed an adverse result and now leaves the 36-year-old with a battle to prove his innocence.

The boxer's representatives published a statement declaring: "The agency alerted all relevant parties about Parker returned an adverse finding after a drug screening administered on October 25th. During the ongoing inquiry, no further statements are planned at this time."

Professional History

Joseph Parker was crowned titleholder in 2016 until he lost his championship belt through a points decision to British star Joshua in Cardiff in 2018.

Parker has been a frequent visitor across the United Kingdom from that point, having eight matches in total on UK territory and transferring to Dublin for training camps alongside respected coach Andy Lee during this period.

Recent Developments

Under the tutelage of Lee, the boxer recovered from his defeat in 2022 against Joe Joyce to secure a string of victories that placed him as the top contender to meet Usyk prior to he suffered defeat against Wardley.

Subsequent to Parker returned a failed test during the Wardley bout, reportedly for cocaine, a probe into the findings has commenced.

• Joseph Parker returned an adverse finding for an illegal substance.
• The test was conducted by Vada on the fight day.
• Parker could receive a possible suspension from competition.
• His representatives has issued a statement confirming the failed examination.
• An investigation is now in progress regarding the case.