Boxer Joseph Parker Could Receive Possible Disqualification Due to Failed Drugs Test
The New Zealand heavyweight returned an adverse finding in a drugs test carried out on the day he faced 11th-round stoppage against English fighter Fabio Wardley.
The Match and Its Consequences
Fabio Wardley along with Joseph Parker participated in a thrilling bout held in London on 25 October to decide the next mandatory WBO contender against reigning heavyweight king Oleksandr Usyk.
Parker had been next in line to face Oleksandr Usyk after stringing together a remarkable six consecutive victories, yet risked his mandatory challenger status on the line in the UK and suffered an 11th-round defeat.
Positive Test Plus Potential Consequences
A standard screening conducted on Joseph Parker via the anti-doping organization the day he fought returned positive and leaves the veteran boxer with a battle to clear his name.
His promotion team issued an announcement declaring: "Vada notified all relevant parties that Joseph Parker tested positive 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 became world champion back in 2016 until he lost the WBO title by unanimous decision to Anthony Joshua in Wales in 2018.
Parker remained a frequent visitor across the United Kingdom after that, competing in eight bouts altogether in Britain and transferring to Ireland for fight camps with esteemed mentor Andy Lee over the past few years.
Latest Events
Coached by Andy Lee, Joseph Parker overcame his 2022 loss versus British heavyweight Joyce to chalk up several successes positioning him front of the queue to challenge the champion prior to he was defeated to the British fighter.
After the boxer produced an adverse finding when he fought Wardley, reportedly involving cocaine, an investigation about the test outcome is underway.
- The boxer tested positive for an illegal substance.
- The examination was conducted through Vada on October 25th.
- Joseph Parker now faces a potential ban from competition.
- Queensberry released a comment confirming the failed examination.
- An investigation is now ongoing regarding the case.
