Joseph Parker Confronts Imminent Disqualification Due to Positive Anti-Doping Test
The New Zealand heavyweight returned an adverse finding as part of a doping test administered the same day he fought in 11th-round stoppage to British heavyweight Fabio Wardley.
The Fight Along with Its Stakes
Wardley together with Parker were part of a pulsating encounter staged in the UK capital in late October to decide the identity of the WBO mandatory challenger to unified heavyweight titleholder Ukrainian champion Usyk.
Joseph Parker had been the leading contender to challenge Usyk subsequent to compiling an impressive six wins in a row, yet placed his shot at the title in jeopardy in the UK and endured an 11th-round defeat.
Adverse Finding Plus Potential Consequences
A standard screening administered to the boxer through the anti-doping organization the day of the match returned positive and leaves the veteran boxer in a difficult position to clear his name.
Parker's promotional company published an announcement which read: "The agency notified everyone involved that Joseph Parker had a positive result subsequent to an anti-doping test administered on the 25th October. As the investigation continues, no further statements will be made currently."
Boxing Journey
The New Zealand boxer became world champion back in 2016 before he lost his championship belt by unanimous decision to Anthony Joshua in Cardiff two years later.
Joseph Parker remained a regular competitor in the UK since then, fighting eight times altogether in the UK and moving to Dublin for training camps under respected coach Andy Lee in recent years.
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Guided by Lee, the boxer recovered from his defeat in 2022 against Joe Joyce to chalk up multiple wins that placed him front of the queue to challenge Usyk before he suffered defeat to the British fighter.
Subsequent to Parker's sample showed an adverse finding during the Wardley bout, reportedly involving cocaine, an inquiry about the test outcome has commenced.
- Joseph Parker tested positive for a banned substance.
- The test took place by Vada the day of the bout.
- Parker could receive disciplinary action from boxing.
- His promotional team released a statement addressing the adverse finding.
- A formal inquiry has been ongoing into the matter.
