Boxer Joseph Parker Faces Imminent Disqualification Due to Failed Doping Test
The New Zealand heavyweight produced a positive sample as part of a anti-doping examination conducted the same day he fought in 11th-round loss versus English fighter Ipswich-born Wardley.
The Match Plus the Implications
Fabio Wardley and Joseph Parker were part of a pulsating bout held in London last October to decide who would become WBO mandatory challenger to undisputed world heavyweight champion Ukrainian champion Usyk.
Parker was previously the leading contender to challenge the champion after stringing together a notable six wins in a row, but placed his shot at the title on the line in the UK and suffered an 11th-round stoppage.
Failed Examination Plus Potential Consequences
A routine test conducted on Parker through Vada the day he fought came back positive and now leaves Parker in a difficult position to demonstrate his cleanliness.
Parker's promotional company released a statement which read: "The anti-doping body alerted everyone involved about Parker returned an adverse finding following a drug screening conducted on October 25th. While the matter is investigated, no additional comment will be made for now."
Career Background
The New Zealand boxer earned the title of heavyweight champion in 2016 prior to he surrendered the WBO title through a points decision versus Anthony Joshua in Cardiff two years later.
Parker became a frequent visitor across the United Kingdom since then, having eight matches overall in the UK and relocating to the Irish capital for training camps alongside highly regarded trainer former champion Lee over the past few years.
Current Situation
Coached by Andy Lee, Joseph Parker overcame his 2022 loss against British heavyweight Joyce to secure a string of victories positioning him as the top contender to meet Oleksandr Usyk until he suffered defeat against Wardley.
Following the boxer produced an adverse finding on the day of the Wardley fight, reportedly for cocaine, an inquiry about the test outcome has commenced.
- Joseph Parker tested positive for a banned substance.
- The test was administered through Vada on October 25th.
- The fighter could receive a potential ban from boxing.
- His promotional team published a statement acknowledging the positive test.
- A formal inquiry is currently underway regarding the case.
