Joseph Parker Could Receive Imminent Suspension Due to Positive Anti-Doping Test

Joseph Parker returned an adverse finding in a anti-doping examination carried out the very day he fought in 11th-round stoppage against UK boxer Fabio Wardley.

The Match Plus the Consequences

The British boxer along with Parker were part of an intense contest staged in the UK capital on 25 October to decide the identity of the WBO mandatory challenger against unified heavyweight titleholder Oleksandr Usyk.

Parker had positioned himself as the leading contender to face the champion following stringing together an impressive six wins in a row, yet placed his contender position in jeopardy in the UK and experienced a stoppage in round eleven.

Positive Test Along with Implications

A routine test conducted on the boxer by the anti-doping organization the day he fought returned positive which leaves Parker in a difficult position to clear his name.

His promotion team published a communique which read: "The agency alerted all required parties regarding Joseph Parker had a positive result after a doping test administered on the 25th October. While the matter is investigated, no further statements are planned currently."

Boxing Journey

Parker earned the title of titleholder back in 2016 before he surrendered his WBO belt through a points decision against Anthony Joshua at the Millennium Stadium in 2018.

Parker became a regular competitor across the United Kingdom since then, having eight matches overall in the UK and relocating to Ireland for fight camps with respected coach Andy Lee in recent years.

Current Situation

Coached by Andy Lee, Parker bounced back from his defeat in 2022 to Joe Joyce to secure several successes that placed him front of the queue to face Usyk before he was defeated to the British fighter.

Following the boxer produced a failed test on the day of the Wardley fight, reportedly involving cocaine, an investigation into the findings has been started.

• Joseph Parker failed a drug test for an illegal substance.
• The test took place through Vada the day of the bout.
• Joseph Parker now faces a possible suspension from competition.
• Queensberry released a comment addressing the failed examination.
• An investigation is now in progress regarding the case.