Boxer Joseph Parker Faces Possible Suspension After Positive Drugs Test

The New Zealand heavyweight tested positive in a anti-doping examination administered the very day of his 11th-round stoppage to British heavyweight Ipswich-born Wardley.

The Bout Plus the Implications

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

Joseph Parker was previously the primary candidate to challenge the champion following stringing together an impressive six wins in a row, however placed his contender position in jeopardy in the UK and endured a stoppage in round eleven.

Positive Test and Potential Consequences

A standard screening given to the boxer by the Voluntary Anti-Doping Agency the day he fought came back positive which leaves the veteran boxer in a difficult position to clear his name.

His promotion team issued a communique which read: "The anti-doping body notified everyone involved regarding Joseph Parker returned an adverse finding subsequent to an anti-doping test administered on October 25th. While the matter is investigated, no additional comment are forthcoming at this time."

Career Background

Joseph Parker was crowned world champion six years ago until he lost his championship belt through a points decision to Anthony Joshua in Wales 24 months later.

Joseph Parker became an active participant in the UK after that, competing in eight bouts overall in Britain and moving to the Irish capital for training camps with highly regarded trainer Andy Lee in recent years.

Recent Developments

Coached by Andy Lee, the boxer recovered from his 2022 loss versus British heavyweight Joyce to secure a string of victories which put him front of the queue to meet Oleksandr Usyk until he lost to Wardley.

Following Parker returned a failed test on the day of the Wardley fight, allegedly for cocaine, an investigation regarding the results has been started.

• Parker failed a drug test for an illegal substance.
• The examination was administered via the anti-doping agency on the fight day.
• Joseph Parker is confronting a possible suspension from boxing.
• His representatives published a comment confirming the positive test.
• An investigation has been in progress regarding the case.