Boxer Joseph Parker Faces Imminent Disqualification Due to Failed Doping Test
The New Zealand heavyweight returned an adverse finding in a drugs test conducted the very day of his 11th-round loss against British heavyweight Fabio Wardley.
The Fight Along with Its Consequences
Wardley along with Joseph Parker participated in an intense contest in London last October to decide the identity of the next in line for the WBO facing reigning heavyweight king Oleksandr Usyk.
Joseph Parker had positioned himself as the leading contender to challenge Usyk after compiling a remarkable six wins in a row, yet placed his contender position at stake in London and experienced an 11th-round defeat.
Adverse Finding and Potential Consequences
A routine test given to Joseph Parker via Vada on the day of the bout came back positive and now leaves the 36-year-old with a battle to demonstrate his cleanliness.
Parker's promotional company published an announcement stating: "The agency notified all relevant parties about Parker had a positive result following an anti-doping test carried out on October 25th. While the matter is investigated, no more comments are planned at this time."
Boxing Journey
The New Zealand boxer was crowned titleholder six years ago until he surrendered the WBO title by unanimous decision against Anthony Joshua at the Millennium Stadium in 2018.
Joseph Parker became a regular competitor on British soil from that point, competing in eight bouts overall in Britain and transferring to Dublin for training camps alongside highly regarded trainer former champion Lee in recent years.
Latest Events
Guided by Lee, Joseph Parker bounced back from the 2022 setback to British heavyweight Joyce to achieve a string of victories which put him at the front of the line to face Oleksandr Usyk prior to he lost to the British fighter.
After Parker's sample showed a failed test when he fought Wardley, allegedly for cocaine, an inquiry about the test outcome has commenced.
- Parker returned an adverse finding for a prohibited substance.
- The screening was administered via the anti-doping agency on the fight day.
- Parker now faces a possible suspension from the sport.
- His representatives has issued an announcement addressing the adverse finding.
- A formal inquiry has been in progress regarding the case.
