New Zealand's Joseph Parker Could Receive Possible Disqualification Due to Failed Anti-Doping Test
Joseph Parker returned an adverse finding in a drugs test carried out the very day he fought in 11th-round stoppage against UK boxer Fabio Wardley.
The Fight Plus the Consequences
The British boxer and Joseph Parker engaged in a pulsating encounter staged in the UK capital last October to establish who would become next in line for the WBO facing undisputed world heavyweight champion Oleksandr Usyk.
Parker was previously the leading contender to face the champion subsequent to putting together an impressive six consecutive victories, but put his contender position in jeopardy in the UK and experienced an 11th-round stoppage.
Positive Test Plus Potential Consequences
A standard screening given to the boxer through Vada the day of the match came back positive and now leaves the 36-year-old with a battle to prove his innocence.
The boxer's representatives published an announcement which read: "The anti-doping body notified all relevant parties regarding Joseph Parker returned an adverse finding after a doping test administered on October 25th. While the matter is investigated, no more comments are forthcoming for now."
Professional History
Joseph Parker became titleholder in 2016 until he was defeated for his WBO belt through a points decision to Anthony Joshua in Cardiff two years later.
Joseph Parker has been a frequent visitor on British soil since then, fighting eight times altogether in the UK and transferring to Ireland for preparation under esteemed mentor Andy Lee over the past few years.
Current Situation
Under the tutelage of Lee, Parker recovered from the 2022 setback versus Joe Joyce to secure a string of victories that placed him at the front of the line to meet Usyk before he suffered defeat to the British fighter.
Subsequent to the boxer produced a positive test when he fought Wardley, allegedly for cocaine, an inquiry into the findings has been started.
- The boxer tested positive for a prohibited substance.
- The examination was administered via the anti-doping agency on October 25th.
- Parker now faces disciplinary action from competition.
- His representatives released a comment addressing the adverse finding.
- A formal inquiry is now underway regarding the case.
