Joseph Parker Faces Imminent Disqualification After Positive Anti-Doping Test
Joseph Parker produced a positive sample during a doping test administered the very day he fought in 11th-round loss versus UK boxer Fabio Wardley.
The Match Along with Its Implications
The British boxer along with Parker were part of a thrilling encounter in London last October to determine the identity of the next in line for the WBO against undisputed world heavyweight champion Oleksandr Usyk.
Parker had been the leading contender to challenge Usyk after putting together a remarkable six consecutive victories, however placed his mandatory challenger status in jeopardy in the UK and suffered a stoppage in round eleven.
Failed Examination and Possible Outcomes
An ordinary examination given to the boxer by the anti-doping organization on the day of the bout showed an adverse result and now leaves Parker in a difficult position to prove his innocence.
Parker's promotional company issued a communique which read: "The agency notified all relevant parties that Joseph Parker had a positive result after a doping test carried out on the 25th October. During the ongoing inquiry, no more comments are forthcoming for now."
Boxing Journey
The New Zealand boxer became heavyweight champion six years ago until he was defeated for his WBO belt via unanimous decision versus Anthony Joshua in Cardiff in 2018.
Parker has been an active participant on British soil from that point, competing in eight bouts in total on UK territory and moving to Dublin for training camps with esteemed mentor Andy Lee in recent years.
Latest Events
Coached by Andy Lee, Parker bounced back from the 2022 setback to Joe Joyce to achieve several successes which put him at the front of the line to face the champion until he lost to the British fighter.
Following Parker returned an adverse finding when he fought Wardley, reportedly involving cocaine, an investigation regarding the results has been started.
- The boxer failed a drug test for a banned substance.
- The examination was conducted by Vada on the fight day.
- Joseph Parker is confronting a potential ban from competition.
- Queensberry has issued a comment addressing the positive test.
- A formal inquiry has been underway about the situation.
