Former world champion Parker produced a positive sample as part of a doping test administered the very day he faced 11th-round loss to English fighter Fabio Wardley.
The Match Along with Its Stakes
The British boxer and Parker participated in an intense encounter staged in the UK capital in late October to determine the identity of the WBO mandatory challenger facing unified heavyweight titleholder Oleksandr Usyk.
Parker was previously next in line to face the champion after putting together a remarkable six wins in a row, however put his mandatory challenger status at stake during the bout and endured an 11th-round defeat.
Failed Examination and Implications
An ordinary examination given to the boxer via Vada the day he fought returned positive which leaves the veteran boxer with a battle to demonstrate his cleanliness.
Parker's promotional company published a statement stating: "The anti-doping body notified everyone involved regarding Joseph Parker returned an adverse finding after an anti-doping test administered on October 25th. While the matter is investigated, no further statements are planned for now."
Professional History
The New Zealand boxer became world champion in 2016 before he lost the WBO title via unanimous decision against Anthony Joshua at the Millennium Stadium in 2018.
Parker remained an active participant on British soil from that point, fighting eight times altogether in the UK and transferring to Dublin for training camps alongside respected coach Andy Lee during this period.
Recent Developments
Under the tutelage of Lee, Joseph Parker overcame his defeat in 2022 against British heavyweight Joyce to secure multiple wins positioning him at the front of the line to meet the champion until he suffered defeat against Wardley.
Subsequent to Parker returned a failed test on the day of the Wardley fight, reportedly for cocaine, a probe about the test outcome has commenced.
- Joseph Parker failed a drug test for an illegal substance.
- The examination took place by Vada on October 25th.
- The fighter now faces disciplinary action from the sport.
- Queensberry has issued an announcement confirming the adverse finding.
- An investigation is now ongoing regarding the case.
