New Zealand's Joseph Parker Confronts Potential Disqualification Following Positive Doping Test
Joseph Parker returned an adverse finding in a anti-doping examination administered on the day he faced 11th-round loss against British heavyweight Fabio Wardley.
The Bout Along with Its Stakes
Wardley along with the New Zealander were part of a pulsating bout staged in the UK capital last October to decide who would become mandatory WBO contender to undisputed world heavyweight champion Oleksandr Usyk.
Joseph Parker had positioned himself as the leading contender to meet the champion following compiling an impressive six consecutive victories, but put his shot at the title on the line in London and suffered a stoppage in round eleven.
Positive Test and Implications
A standard screening given to the boxer through the Voluntary Anti-Doping Agency on the day of the bout showed an adverse result and now leaves the 36-year-old with a battle to clear his name.
Parker's promotional company published a statement which read: "The agency notified all relevant parties about Parker returned an adverse finding subsequent to a drug screening administered on the fight day. While the matter is investigated, no more comments will be made for now."
Boxing Journey
The New Zealand boxer earned the title of world champion back in 2016 before he lost his WBO belt via unanimous decision to Anthony Joshua in Cardiff 24 months later.
Joseph Parker became a regular competitor across the United Kingdom from that point, competing in eight bouts altogether in the UK and relocating to Dublin for preparation with highly regarded trainer former champion Lee over the past few years.
Current Situation
Under the tutelage of Lee, the boxer overcame his 2022 loss versus British heavyweight Joyce to achieve several successes that placed him front of the queue to face Usyk until he lost to Wardley.
Following Parker returned a failed test on the day of the Wardley fight, allegedly for cocaine, an investigation regarding the results has been started.
- Joseph Parker tested positive for an illegal substance.
- The examination was conducted by Vada on October 25th.
- Parker now faces a potential ban from the sport.
- His promotional team published a comment addressing the adverse finding.
- A review has been underway about the situation.
