Boxer Joseph Parker Confronts Potential Disqualification After Failed Anti-Doping Test
The New Zealand heavyweight returned an adverse finding during a doping test carried out the same day he fought in 11th-round loss to English fighter Fabio Wardley.
The Match and Its Implications
Fabio Wardley along with Joseph Parker were part of a pulsating contest in London on 25 October to establish who would become mandatory WBO contender facing undisputed world heavyweight champion Ukrainian champion Usyk.
Joseph Parker had been the primary candidate to face the champion after compiling an impressive six-fight winning streak, however risked his shot at the title in jeopardy during the bout and endured an 11th-round defeat.
Positive Test Along with Potential Consequences
An ordinary examination administered to the boxer by the Voluntary Anti-Doping Agency the day he fought came back positive and now leaves the 36-year-old with a battle to prove his innocence.
His promotion team released an announcement declaring: "Vada alerted all relevant parties about Parker returned an adverse finding subsequent to a doping test carried out on the fight day. During the ongoing inquiry, no more comments are forthcoming at this time."
Career Background
Parker was crowned world champion back in 2016 until he lost the WBO title by unanimous decision against Anthony Joshua at the Millennium Stadium 24 months later.
Joseph Parker has been a regular competitor on British soil since then, fighting eight times in total in Britain and moving to Ireland for training camps alongside highly regarded trainer former champion Lee over the past few years.
Latest Events
Coached by Andy Lee, the boxer recovered from the 2022 setback to Joe Joyce to chalk up multiple wins which put him at the front of the line to challenge Oleksandr Usyk until he lost to Wardley.
Following Parker returned an adverse finding on the day of the Wardley fight, allegedly for cocaine, an inquiry regarding the results is underway.
- Joseph Parker returned an adverse finding for an illegal substance.
- The screening was administered by Vada the day of the bout.
- Parker now faces a possible suspension from boxing.
- Queensberry has issued a statement confirming the failed examination.
- A review has been ongoing into the matter.
