Joseph Parker Could Receive Imminent Disqualification After Failed Doping Test
The New Zealand heavyweight tested positive in a anti-doping examination carried out on the day of his 11th-round loss against English fighter Fabio Wardley.
The Bout Along with Its Stakes
Fabio Wardley along with Parker participated in a thrilling contest held in London on 25 October to determine who would become WBO mandatory challenger against reigning heavyweight king Oleksandr Usyk.
The fighter had been the primary candidate to meet the champion subsequent to compiling a remarkable six wins in a row, yet risked his mandatory challenger status in jeopardy in London and endured an 11th-round defeat.
Positive Test and Potential Consequences
A standard screening conducted on Joseph Parker via Vada the day of the match returned positive which leaves the 36-year-old with a battle to prove his innocence.
His promotion team issued a communique which read: "Vada informed all required parties about Parker returned an adverse finding subsequent to a drug screening administered on October 25th. As the investigation continues, no more comments are planned for now."
Boxing Journey
Joseph Parker became heavyweight champion six years ago before he lost the WBO title via unanimous decision to Anthony Joshua at the Millennium Stadium in 2018.
The fighter became a regular competitor across the United Kingdom since then, having eight matches in total in the UK and relocating to Dublin for training camps under respected coach former champion Lee in recent years.
Recent Developments
Guided by Lee, the boxer overcame his 2022 loss against Joe Joyce to achieve a string of victories that placed him as the top contender to meet Oleksandr Usyk until he was defeated to Wardley.
After the boxer produced a positive test on the day of the Wardley fight, allegedly for cocaine, an investigation into the findings has been started.
- Joseph Parker tested positive for an illegal substance.
- The screening was conducted via the anti-doping agency the day of the bout.
- Joseph Parker now faces a potential ban from competition.
- His representatives released a comment confirming the positive test.
- A formal inquiry has been underway regarding the case.
