New Zealand's Joseph Parker Faces Possible Suspension Following Positive Drugs Test

Former world champion Parker tested positive in a anti-doping examination administered the very day of his 11th-round stoppage against British heavyweight Fabio Wardley.

The Match and Its Consequences

Wardley along with the New Zealander engaged in a pulsating bout in London last October to determine the identity of the next in line for the WBO to reigning heavyweight king Oleksandr Usyk.

Parker had positioned himself as the primary candidate to meet the champion following compiling a notable six-fight winning streak, yet placed his mandatory challenger status at stake in London and suffered an 11th-round stoppage.

Adverse Finding Plus Potential Consequences

An ordinary examination conducted on Joseph Parker via the anti-doping organization on the day of the bout returned positive and leaves the veteran boxer facing a challenge to demonstrate his cleanliness.

His promotion team published a statement stating: "The agency alerted everyone involved regarding Joseph Parker returned an adverse finding after a drug screening administered on the fight day. As the investigation continues, no additional comment are planned at this time."

Boxing Journey

The New Zealand boxer became world champion in 2016 before he was defeated for his WBO belt by unanimous decision versus British star Joshua in Wales two years later.

The fighter became a regular competitor in the UK from that point, competing in eight bouts altogether in Britain and relocating to Ireland for fight camps alongside esteemed mentor Andy Lee in recent years.

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Guided by Lee, the boxer recovered from his defeat in 2022 versus Joe Joyce to secure multiple wins positioning him at the front of the line to challenge the champion until he lost against Wardley.

Following Parker returned an adverse finding on the day of the Wardley fight, reportedly for cocaine, an inquiry into the findings is underway.

• The boxer failed a drug test for an illegal substance.
• The test was administered by Vada on the fight day.
• Joseph Parker could receive a potential ban from the sport.
• His representatives released a comment addressing the failed examination.
• A formal inquiry is currently ongoing about the situation.