Joseph Parker Faces Imminent Disqualification Following Positive Drugs Test
Joseph Parker returned an adverse finding during a doping test administered the same day he fought in 11th-round stoppage versus English fighter Fabio Wardley.
The Fight and Its Implications
Fabio Wardley along with Joseph Parker engaged in a thrilling bout held in London in late October to determine the identity of the mandatory WBO contender against unified heavyweight titleholder Oleksandr Usyk.
Parker had positioned himself as next in line to face Usyk after stringing together a notable six wins in a row, but placed his shot at the title at stake in the UK and endured an 11th-round defeat.
Failed Examination and Potential Consequences
A routine test conducted on Joseph Parker through the anti-doping organization the day of the match came back positive which leaves Parker with a battle to prove his innocence.
His promotion team released an announcement stating: "The anti-doping body notified all relevant parties that Joseph Parker returned an adverse finding subsequent to a doping test carried out on the fight day. As the investigation continues, no further statements are forthcoming at this time."
Career Background
The New Zealand boxer earned the title of titleholder in 2016 prior to he lost his WBO belt by unanimous decision to Anthony Joshua in Cardiff in 2018.
The fighter has been an active participant in the UK from that point, competing in eight bouts overall in Britain and moving to Dublin for training camps under highly regarded trainer Andy Lee over the past few years.
Recent Developments
Under the tutelage of Lee, Joseph Parker bounced back from his defeat in 2022 against Joe Joyce to secure multiple wins positioning him at the front of the line to face the champion before he suffered defeat to Wardley.
Following the boxer produced a failed test during the Wardley bout, allegedly for cocaine, an inquiry into the findings has commenced.
- Joseph Parker returned an adverse finding for a prohibited substance.
- The examination was conducted by Vada the day of the bout.
- Joseph Parker could receive a potential ban from boxing.
- His promotional team published a comment addressing the adverse finding.
- A review has been in progress about the situation.
