Joseph Parker Confronts Possible Disqualification Due to Positive Anti-Doping Test
The New Zealand heavyweight tested positive as part of a anti-doping examination conducted on the day he faced 11th-round defeat versus English fighter Fabio Wardley.
The Match and Its Stakes
The British boxer along with Joseph Parker engaged in an intense bout held in London on 25 October to decide the next WBO mandatory challenger against undisputed world heavyweight champion Oleksandr Usyk.
The fighter had positioned himself as the leading contender to meet the champion after compiling an impressive six-fight winning streak, however placed his contender position on the line in London and suffered a stoppage in round eleven.
Adverse Finding Along with Implications
A standard screening given to Parker via the anti-doping organization the day of the match came back positive and leaves the 36-year-old with a battle to demonstrate his cleanliness.
His promotion team published a communique declaring: "The agency notified all relevant parties about Parker returned an adverse finding after a drug screening carried out on the fight day. During the ongoing inquiry, no additional comment are forthcoming at this time."
Professional History
The New Zealand boxer became titleholder in 2016 prior to he was defeated for his WBO belt via unanimous decision versus Anthony Joshua at the Millennium Stadium two years later.
The fighter became a frequent visitor across the United Kingdom after that, fighting eight times overall in Britain and moving to the Irish capital for preparation alongside respected coach Andy Lee in recent years.
Current Situation
Guided by Lee, Joseph Parker recovered from the 2022 setback versus Joe Joyce to achieve several successes positioning him as the top contender to meet Oleksandr Usyk prior to he was defeated to the British fighter.
Subsequent to Parker's sample showed a failed test when he fought Wardley, reportedly for cocaine, a probe into the findings has been started.
- Joseph Parker returned an adverse finding for a prohibited substance.
- The screening was administered through Vada on October 25th.
- Joseph Parker is confronting a potential ban from competition.
- Queensberry has issued a statement confirming the positive test.
- A formal inquiry has been underway regarding the case.