Joseph Parker tests positive for cocaine

New Zealander Joseph Parker has recovered himself successful large occupation aft it was revealed that helium failed a doping test. As confirmed to Sky Sports by a root adjacent to the VADA (Voluntary Anti-Doping Agency), traces of cocaine were recovered successful his system. The trial was carried retired connected the time of his combat against British heavyweight Fabio Wardley, successful which the Briton celebrated aft a arguable stoppage adjacent the extremity of the match.

The accusation emerged aboriginal this greeting and instantly raised superior questions astir the 33-year-old Parker's aboriginal successful nonrecreational boxing. It is not yet known precisely erstwhile the cocaine entered his system, but the information that the trial was carried retired aft the combat lone increases the unit connected him.

Parker mislaid the WBO loop to Anthony Joshua successful 2018, but has dilatory regained his presumption successful the years since. After losing to Joe Joyce successful 2022, helium has won six consecutive victories, including precise important triumphs against Deontay Wilder and Zhilei Zhang. He besides won the WBO Interim belt, and galore saw him arsenic a superior contender for the satellite title.

Match against Wardley

However, the determination to judge the lucifer against Wardley turned retired to beryllium a large risk. Parker thereby enactment his presumption arsenic the mandatory challenger for Oleksandr Usyk astatine risk. After the combat with Daniel Dubois was canceled owed to the Briton's illness, Parker agreed to a replacement, which yet backfired connected him and resulted successful a defeat.

After the quality of the failed doping test, galore are opening to question his vocation and everything helium has achieved successful the past 2 years. The information that it was cocaine further damages the representation of an jock who for years was considered a superior idiosyncratic and household man.

Now the main question is what's adjacent for the erstwhile champion. If it is confirmed that helium was nether the power of prohibited substances, Parker could look superior penalties, including a suspension and the nonaccomplishment of his sponsor. The dilemma besides remains whether helium volition ever person the accidental to combat astatine the highest level again oregon whether his vocation volition stay marked by this incident.