New Zealand's Joseph Parker Could Receive Imminent Disqualification After Failed Doping Test
Joseph Parker tested positive in a doping test carried out on the day of his 11th-round defeat to English fighter Fabio Wardley.
The Fight Along with Its Consequences
The British boxer and Joseph Parker participated in an intense contest held in London in late October to determine the identity of the WBO mandatory challenger facing unified heavyweight titleholder Oleksandr Usyk.
Joseph Parker was previously the leading contender to face the champion subsequent to stringing together an impressive six consecutive victories, but placed his contender position at stake in London and suffered an 11th-round stoppage.
Positive Test Along with Possible Outcomes
A standard screening given to Joseph Parker via Vada the day of the match showed an adverse result and now leaves the veteran boxer with a battle to prove his innocence.
His promotion team released a communique stating: "The anti-doping body notified all relevant parties about Parker returned an adverse finding subsequent to a doping test administered on the 25th October. As the investigation continues, no further statements are forthcoming at this time."
Career Background
Parker was crowned world champion back in 2016 prior to he lost the WBO title via unanimous decision against Anthony Joshua at the Millennium Stadium 24 months later.
Joseph Parker remained a regular competitor on British soil since then, having eight matches overall on UK territory and relocating to Dublin for preparation alongside highly regarded trainer former champion Lee in recent years.
Current Situation
Under the tutelage of Lee, Parker overcame his 2022 loss against Joe Joyce to secure multiple wins that placed him front of the queue to face Usyk before he was defeated to the British fighter.
Following Parker returned an adverse finding when he fought Wardley, reportedly for cocaine, an investigation into the findings is underway.
- Parker returned an adverse finding for a banned substance.
- The test took place by Vada the day of the bout.
- Joseph Parker could receive a potential ban from boxing.
- Queensberry has issued a statement confirming the adverse finding.
- An investigation is currently in progress regarding the case.
