Joseph Parker Could Receive Imminent Suspension Following Positive Drugs Test

Former world champion Parker tested positive during a anti-doping examination conducted on the day he faced 11th-round loss versus English fighter Fabio Wardley.

The Match Along with Its Consequences

Fabio Wardley together with Joseph Parker were part of a thrilling contest staged in the UK capital last October to establish the next mandatory WBO contender to undisputed world heavyweight champion Oleksandr Usyk.

Joseph Parker was previously the primary candidate to meet Oleksandr Usyk after stringing together an impressive six-fight winning streak, but risked his mandatory challenger status in jeopardy in London and endured an 11th-round stoppage.

Positive Test Plus Possible Outcomes

A routine test administered to the boxer via the Voluntary Anti-Doping Agency the day he fought came back positive and now leaves Parker in a difficult position to demonstrate his cleanliness.

The boxer's representatives published an announcement which read: "The anti-doping body informed all relevant parties that Joseph Parker tested positive after a drug screening carried out on the fight day. As the investigation continues, no additional comment are planned currently."

Boxing Journey

The New Zealand boxer earned the title of heavyweight champion six years ago before he surrendered his championship belt through a points decision against Anthony Joshua at the Millennium Stadium in 2018.

The fighter remained a regular competitor across the United Kingdom from that point, fighting eight times altogether on UK territory and transferring to Dublin for fight camps with highly regarded trainer former champion Lee during this period.

Current Situation

Guided by Lee, Parker bounced back from his defeat in 2022 against Joe Joyce to chalk up multiple wins which put him at the front of the line to meet the champion before he lost to the British fighter.

Following Parker's sample showed an adverse finding during the Wardley bout, reportedly involving cocaine, a probe about the test outcome has been started.

• The boxer returned an adverse finding for a prohibited substance.
• The examination was administered via the anti-doping agency the day of the bout.
• Joseph Parker is confronting a potential ban from boxing.
• His representatives has issued an announcement confirming the adverse finding.
• A formal inquiry is currently ongoing regarding the case.