Joseph Parker Could Receive Potential Disqualification Due to Failed Drugs Test
The New Zealand heavyweight returned an adverse finding in a doping test carried out on the day he faced 11th-round defeat to UK boxer Fabio Wardley.
The Match and Its Implications
The British boxer along with Parker participated in a thrilling contest staged in the UK capital in late October to determine the next mandatory WBO contender against unified heavyweight titleholder Ukrainian champion Usyk.
The fighter had been next in line to meet Oleksandr Usyk subsequent to stringing together a notable six consecutive victories, but risked his mandatory challenger status on the line in the UK and experienced an 11th-round stoppage.
Adverse Finding Plus Implications
A standard screening given to Parker by Vada the day he fought came back positive and now leaves the 36-year-old in a difficult position to demonstrate his cleanliness.
Parker's promotional company published an announcement declaring: "Vada informed all required parties regarding Joseph Parker had a positive result subsequent to a doping test administered on the 25th October. During the ongoing inquiry, no more comments are forthcoming for now."
Career Background
The New Zealand boxer earned the title of titleholder in 2016 before he surrendered his championship belt via unanimous decision against Anthony Joshua in Wales two years later.
Parker became a frequent visitor in the UK since then, having eight matches altogether in Britain and relocating to the Irish capital for preparation with highly regarded trainer Andy Lee over the past few years.
Latest Events
Guided by Lee, Joseph Parker bounced back from the 2022 setback to Joe Joyce to secure several successes positioning him front of the queue to challenge Oleksandr Usyk prior to he lost against Wardley.
Subsequent to Parker returned an adverse finding on the day of the Wardley fight, reportedly involving cocaine, a probe into the findings is underway.
- Joseph Parker tested positive for a prohibited substance.
- The examination was conducted via the anti-doping agency on the fight day.
- The fighter now faces a potential ban from the sport.
- His representatives published an announcement confirming the positive test.
- A review has been in progress about the situation.
