Boxer Parker failed doping test: disqualification threatens

New Zealand boxer Joseph Parker has been implicated in the use of a banned substance. The athlete tested positive for traces of cocaine in a doping sample he provided before the fight with Fabio Wardley for the interim world championship title under the World Boxing Organization (WBO) in the heavyweight division. The fight took place in October in London, where the Briton defeated Parker by technical knockout in the 11th round.

The government agency overseeing boxing in the UK has launched an investigation into this case. If Parker's guilt is confirmed, he faces a two-year disqualification. Parker currently has 36 wins (24 by knockout) and 4 losses, and he was the WBO world champion in 2016-2017.

Meanwhile, Russian speed skater Aleksandra Sajtina, who has been recognized as a neutral athlete by the International Skating Union, attended Putin's annual address to the Federal Assembly. This caused outrage, as such participation of athletes in propaganda events may raise questions about their political neutrality.