New Zealand heavyweight boxer Joseph Parker is confronting a potential career-ending ban after returning a positive drugs test on the day of his high-profile bout against British fighter Fabio Wardley in October.
The Failed Test and Immediate Fallout
The Voluntary Anti-Doping Agency (VADA) confirmed that Parker provided a sample on 25th October that returned an adverse finding. The test was conducted in London ahead of his fight against Ipswich-born Wardley, which ended in an 11th-round stoppage defeat for the former world champion.
Parker's promotional company, Queensberry, released an official statement acknowledging the situation. "VADA last night informed all required parties that Joseph Parker returned an adverse finding following an anti-doping test conducted on the 25th October in relation to his bout with Fabio Wardley," the statement read. They added that no further comment would be made while investigations continue.
Career Implications for the Former Champion
This development could spell disaster for the 36-year-old's professional career. Parker had positioned himself as the WBO mandatory challenger to undisputed world heavyweight champion Oleksandr Usyk following an impressive six-fight winning streak under trainer Andy Lee.
The Auckland-born fighter previously held the WBO world title in 2016 before losing it to Anthony Joshua via unanimous decision at Cardiff's Millennium Stadium in 2018. Since that defeat, Parker has become a regular fixture in British boxing circles, fighting eight times in the UK and basing his training camps in Dublin with highly-regarded trainer Lee.
What Comes Next for Parker?
Reports suggest the substance detected was cocaine, though official confirmation awaits the investigation's conclusion. The positive test result places Parker's entire recent career resurgence in jeopardy and could see him facing a lengthy suspension from the sport.
Under Lee's guidance, Parker had successfully rebuilt his career after a 2022 loss to Joe Joyce, stringing together victories that earned him the coveted mandatory challenger status. Now, the October defeat to Wardley, combined with the failed drugs test, threatens to become his final professional appearance for the foreseeable future.
The boxing world awaits further developments as Parker begins what could be the most difficult fight of his career - proving his innocence and salvaging what remains of his professional standing in the sport.
