New Zealand's Joseph Parker Confronts Imminent Ban Due to Positive Doping Test

Former world champion Parker produced a positive sample during a doping test conducted the very day he faced 11th-round loss versus British heavyweight Fabio Wardley.

The Fight and Its Stakes

The British boxer and Parker participated in a pulsating encounter staged in the UK capital last October to establish the next WBO mandatory challenger facing reigning heavyweight king Oleksandr Usyk.

Parker had positioned himself as next in line to meet the champion subsequent to compiling a remarkable six wins in a row, but risked his mandatory challenger status in jeopardy during the bout and experienced an 11th-round defeat.

Failed Examination and Implications

A routine test administered to Joseph Parker by the anti-doping organization on the day of the bout came back positive which leaves the veteran boxer facing a challenge to demonstrate his cleanliness.

The boxer's representatives published a communique declaring: "The anti-doping body notified all relevant parties about Parker had a positive result subsequent to a drug screening conducted on the fight day. As the investigation continues, no further statements are forthcoming for now."

Professional History

Joseph Parker earned the title of world champion six years ago until he surrendered the WBO title by unanimous decision to Anthony Joshua in Cardiff in 2018.

Parker remained a frequent visitor in the UK from that point, having eight matches altogether in Britain and transferring to the Irish capital for preparation under esteemed mentor Andy Lee during this period.

Current Situation

Under the tutelage of Lee, the boxer bounced back from his 2022 loss to Joe Joyce to chalk up a string of victories that placed him front of the queue to meet the champion until he suffered defeat to the British fighter.

Subsequent to Parker's sample showed an adverse finding when he fought Wardley, reportedly for cocaine, a probe regarding the results has been started.