New Zealand's Joseph Parker Could Receive Possible Disqualification Due to Positive Doping Test
Joseph Parker returned an adverse finding as part of a doping test administered on the day he fought in 11th-round defeat against UK boxer Fabio Wardley.
The Match and Its Implications
Wardley along with Parker engaged in a thrilling contest in London in late October to decide the identity of the next in line for the WBO to undisputed world heavyweight champion Ukrainian champion Usyk.
Joseph Parker was previously next in line to face Oleksandr Usyk after stringing together a notable six consecutive victories, but placed his mandatory challenger status at stake in London and suffered a stoppage in round eleven.
Positive Test and Implications
A routine test given to the boxer through the Voluntary Anti-Doping Agency the day of the match came back positive and now leaves the 36-year-old in a difficult position to prove his innocence.
Parker's promotional company released a statement stating: "The anti-doping body informed all relevant parties regarding Joseph Parker tested positive subsequent to an anti-doping test conducted on October 25th. While the matter is investigated, no additional comment are planned at this time."
Professional History
The New Zealand boxer became world champion in 2016 prior to he surrendered his WBO belt by unanimous decision versus Anthony Joshua at the Millennium Stadium in 2018.
Joseph Parker became a regular competitor across the United Kingdom from that point, fighting eight times altogether in the UK and moving to Dublin for preparation alongside highly regarded trainer Andy Lee during this period.
Latest Events
Under the tutelage of Lee, Joseph Parker recovered from his defeat in 2022 against British heavyweight Joyce to chalk up a string of victories positioning him front of the queue to challenge the champion prior to he suffered defeat against Wardley.
Following Parker returned an adverse finding when he fought Wardley, reportedly for cocaine, a probe regarding the results is underway.
- Joseph Parker failed a drug test for an illegal substance.
- The screening took place through Vada on October 25th.
- The fighter is confronting disciplinary action from competition.
- Queensberry has issued a comment acknowledging the failed examination.
- A review is now underway regarding the case.
