Former world heavyweight champion Joseph Parker is dealing with the opportunity of a ban from boxing after testing optimistic for cocaine.
The 33-year-old New Zealander returned a optimistic end in a Voluntary Anti-Doping Affiliation (VADA) check carried out on 25 October, a day earlier than his battle towards Briton Fabio Wardley on the O2 Area. The check confirmed the presence of a leisure substance and never a performance-enhancing drug.
Parker’s promoters, Queensberry Promotions, confirmed the failed check and stated the matter is now underneath investigation. They added that no additional feedback shall be made till the method is full.
The heavyweight star may obtain a suspension starting from three months to 2 years, relying on the result of the investigation and the circumstances surrounding the case. Any punishment could be issued by UK Anti-Doping (UKAD) and the British Boxing Board of Management (BBBC).
Nonetheless, as a result of UKAD didn’t administer the unique check, the organisation must perform its personal inquiry earlier than taking any motion.
The scenario comes as a serious setback for Parker, who hoped to place himself for a future world title battle towards undisputed champion Oleksandr Usyk. As an alternative, he suffered a shock defeat to Wardley of their October bout.
Parker held the WBO heavyweight title between 2016 and 2018 earlier than shedding it to Anthony Joshua in Cardiff. His newest setback now raises severe questions concerning the subsequent chapter of his profession.
