Joseph Parker Could Receive Possible Disqualification After Failed Anti-Doping Test
The New Zealand heavyweight produced a positive sample as part of a doping test conducted the very day he fought in 11th-round defeat to English fighter Fabio Wardley.
The Bout and Its Stakes
Fabio Wardley together with Parker were part of an intense contest staged in the UK capital last October to decide the identity of the WBO mandatory challenger against undisputed world heavyweight champion Oleksandr Usyk.
Joseph Parker had positioned himself as the primary candidate to challenge the champion following stringing together an impressive six wins in a row, yet placed his shot at the title on the line in London and experienced an 11th-round defeat.
Failed Examination Along with Possible Outcomes
A routine test given to Joseph Parker by Vada the day of the match returned positive which leaves the 36-year-old facing a challenge to prove his innocence.
The boxer's representatives released an announcement stating: "The agency notified all required parties that Joseph Parker tested positive subsequent to a drug screening administered on the 25th October. During the ongoing inquiry, no further statements will be made for now."
Boxing Journey
Parker was crowned titleholder six years ago prior to he lost his WBO belt through a points decision to Anthony Joshua in Cardiff two years later.
Parker remained an active participant across the United Kingdom from that point, fighting eight times altogether on UK territory and transferring to the Irish capital for fight camps under esteemed mentor Andy Lee in recent years.
Recent Developments
Coached by Andy Lee, Parker bounced back from his 2022 loss against Joe Joyce to chalk up a string of victories that placed him front of the queue to meet Usyk prior to he lost against Wardley.
Following the boxer produced a positive test during the Wardley bout, allegedly for cocaine, an inquiry into the findings has commenced.
- The boxer returned an adverse finding for a banned substance.
- The examination was administered by Vada the day of the bout.
- The fighter now faces a potential ban from boxing.
- His promotional team released an announcement acknowledging the adverse finding.
- An investigation is now ongoing into the matter.
