Joseph Parker Could Receive Potential Disqualification After Failed Drugs Test
Former world champion Parker returned an adverse finding as part of a doping test carried out the same day he fought in 11th-round defeat versus British heavyweight Fabio Wardley.
The Bout and Its Stakes
Fabio Wardley together with Joseph Parker participated in a pulsating bout in London in late October to determine the identity of the WBO mandatory challenger facing undisputed world heavyweight champion Oleksandr Usyk.
Joseph Parker had been the primary candidate to meet the champion after compiling an impressive six consecutive victories, yet risked his shot at the title in jeopardy in London and suffered an 11th-round stoppage.
Positive Test Plus Implications
An ordinary examination given to Joseph Parker through the anti-doping organization the day he fought returned positive and leaves Parker in a difficult position to prove his innocence.
The boxer's representatives issued an announcement stating: "Vada alerted all relevant parties that Joseph Parker returned an adverse finding subsequent to an anti-doping test administered on the fight day. During the ongoing inquiry, no further statements are forthcoming for now."
Professional History
The New Zealand boxer became heavyweight champion six years ago before he was defeated for his championship belt via unanimous decision to Anthony Joshua in Cardiff 24 months later.
Joseph Parker became an active participant in the UK from that point, competing in eight bouts altogether in Britain and transferring to Dublin for training camps under respected coach Andy Lee during this period.
Current Situation
Coached by Andy Lee, Joseph Parker overcame his 2022 loss to British heavyweight Joyce to chalk up several successes that placed him as the top contender to challenge Usyk until he lost to the British fighter.
Subsequent to Parker's sample showed a failed test when he fought Wardley, allegedly for cocaine, an investigation into the findings has commenced.
- Joseph Parker failed a drug test for an illegal substance.
- The examination took place via the anti-doping agency on the fight day.
- The fighter is confronting a potential ban from boxing.
- His representatives has issued a comment confirming the failed examination.
- A review is currently in progress about the situation.
