New Zealand's Joseph Parker Could Receive Possible Disqualification Following Failed Doping Test
Joseph Parker tested positive in a drugs test administered the same day of his 11th-round loss against English fighter Fabio Wardley.
The Fight and Its Implications
Fabio Wardley together with Parker engaged in an intense contest staged in the UK capital last October to decide the next WBO mandatory challenger facing reigning heavyweight king Ukrainian champion Usyk.
The fighter had positioned himself as next in line to meet Oleksandr Usyk subsequent to stringing together a remarkable six consecutive victories, but placed his contender position in jeopardy in the UK and suffered an 11th-round defeat.
Adverse Finding Along with Possible Outcomes
An ordinary examination administered to Joseph Parker via Vada the day of the match showed an adverse result and now leaves the veteran boxer in a difficult position to demonstrate his cleanliness.
The boxer's representatives released an announcement declaring: "The agency notified everyone involved regarding Joseph Parker had a positive result after an anti-doping test conducted on October 25th. As the investigation continues, no additional comment are forthcoming currently."
Career Background
Joseph Parker earned the title of world champion back in 2016 prior to he lost his championship belt by unanimous decision versus Anthony Joshua in Cardiff two years later.
Parker became a frequent visitor across the United Kingdom from that point, competing in eight bouts in total in Britain and transferring to the Irish capital for preparation under respected coach Andy Lee over the past few years.
Current Situation
Under the tutelage of Lee, Joseph Parker recovered from the 2022 setback against British heavyweight Joyce to secure a string of victories which put him at the front of the line to meet the champion until he lost against Wardley.
Following Parker returned a positive test on the day of the Wardley fight, allegedly for cocaine, an inquiry about the test outcome is underway.
- Joseph Parker returned an adverse finding for a banned substance.
- The examination took place by Vada on October 25th.
- Parker could receive a possible suspension from the sport.
- His promotional team has issued a statement acknowledging the positive test.
- A review is currently in progress into the matter.
