Boxer Joseph Parker Confronts Possible Disqualification After Positive Anti-Doping Test
The New Zealand heavyweight tested positive as part of a drugs test administered the very day of his 11th-round defeat versus English fighter Ipswich-born Wardley.
The Match Plus the Stakes
Fabio Wardley along with the New Zealander engaged in a thrilling encounter in London in late October to determine the identity of the mandatory WBO contender against reigning heavyweight king Oleksandr Usyk.
Parker was previously the primary candidate to meet the champion following compiling a remarkable six consecutive victories, but placed his contender position at stake during the bout and experienced an 11th-round stoppage.
Adverse Finding Plus Implications
An ordinary examination given to Joseph Parker via the Voluntary Anti-Doping Agency the day of the match returned positive and now leaves the 36-year-old with a battle to prove his innocence.
His promotion team released a communique which read: "The anti-doping body informed all required parties regarding Joseph Parker had a positive result after a drug screening conducted on the fight day. During the ongoing inquiry, no further statements are forthcoming currently."
Career Background
Joseph Parker earned the title of heavyweight champion in 2016 before he lost the WBO title by unanimous decision to Anthony Joshua in Cardiff 24 months later.
Joseph Parker became a regular competitor across the United Kingdom from that point, fighting eight times altogether in Britain and transferring to Dublin for training camps with esteemed mentor Andy Lee over the past few years.
Recent Developments
Under the tutelage of Lee, Parker recovered from his defeat in 2022 versus British heavyweight Joyce to chalk up multiple wins which put him at the front of the line to meet Usyk before he was defeated against Wardley.
Following Parker returned an adverse finding on the day of the Wardley fight, allegedly for cocaine, an inquiry about the test outcome has commenced.
- Joseph Parker returned an adverse finding for an illegal substance.
- The test took place via the anti-doping agency on the fight day.
- The fighter could receive disciplinary action from the sport.
- Queensberry published a statement addressing the failed examination.
- An investigation is currently underway into the matter.