New Zealand's Joseph Parker Faces Imminent Ban Following Positive Drugs Test

The New Zealand heavyweight produced a positive sample as part of a doping test conducted the same day of his 11th-round loss to British heavyweight Fabio Wardley.

The Match and Its Stakes

Fabio Wardley and Joseph Parker were part of a thrilling bout staged in the UK capital last October to establish the next mandatory WBO contender against undisputed world heavyweight champion Ukrainian champion Usyk.

Joseph Parker had positioned himself as next in line to meet Usyk subsequent to stringing together a notable six consecutive victories, however put his mandatory challenger status at stake in the UK and suffered a stoppage in round eleven.

Positive Test Along with Possible Outcomes

An ordinary examination administered to Parker via the Voluntary Anti-Doping Agency on the day of the bout showed an adverse result and now leaves Parker in a difficult position to prove his innocence.

The boxer's representatives published an announcement stating: "The agency notified all required parties about Parker returned an adverse finding subsequent to a doping test administered on the fight day. While the matter is investigated, no further statements are forthcoming currently."

Career Background

Joseph Parker earned the title of titleholder in 2016 prior to he lost the WBO title via unanimous decision against British star Joshua in Wales two years later.

Parker remained a frequent visitor on British soil from that point, fighting eight times overall in Britain and moving to Dublin for training camps with highly regarded trainer former champion Lee in recent years.

Current Situation

Coached by Andy Lee, the boxer bounced back from his defeat in 2022 to British heavyweight Joyce to achieve several successes that placed him at the front of the line to meet Oleksandr Usyk until he was defeated to Wardley.

After Parker's sample showed an adverse finding when he fought Wardley, allegedly for cocaine, an investigation about the test outcome is underway.

• Joseph Parker tested positive for a prohibited substance.
• The test took place by Vada on the fight day.
• Joseph Parker now faces a potential ban from boxing.
• Queensberry released a comment addressing the adverse finding.
• An investigation is currently underway about the situation.