Joseph Parker Confronts Imminent Disqualification Following Positive Drugs Test
Joseph Parker returned an adverse finding during a doping test conducted the same day of his 11th-round stoppage versus UK boxer Fabio Wardley.
The Bout and Its Consequences
The British boxer and the New Zealander engaged in an intense bout held in London on 25 October to decide who would become mandatory WBO contender to unified heavyweight titleholder Oleksandr Usyk.
Joseph Parker had been next in line to face Oleksandr Usyk subsequent to compiling an impressive six-fight winning streak, yet risked his contender position at stake in London and endured an 11th-round stoppage.
Adverse Finding and Potential Consequences
A routine test given to Parker by the anti-doping organization on the day of the bout returned positive which leaves the veteran boxer with a battle to demonstrate his cleanliness.
Parker's promotional company published an announcement which read: "The agency notified all required parties that Joseph Parker tested positive subsequent to an anti-doping test carried out on the 25th October. During the ongoing inquiry, no additional comment will be made at this time."
Career Background
Joseph Parker became world champion back in 2016 until he surrendered his championship belt by unanimous decision versus Anthony Joshua in Wales two years later.
Joseph Parker has been an active participant across the United Kingdom after that, fighting eight times overall on UK territory and transferring to Dublin for preparation under esteemed mentor former champion Lee over the past few years.
Current Situation
Guided by Lee, Parker bounced back from the 2022 setback against Joe Joyce to chalk up a string of victories which put him front of the queue to face Usyk until he was defeated to the British fighter.
Following Parker's sample showed a positive test during the Wardley bout, allegedly for cocaine, an inquiry into the findings has commenced.
- Parker failed a drug test for an illegal substance.
- The screening was administered by Vada the day of the bout.
- Parker is confronting a possible suspension from the sport.
- His promotional team released a statement acknowledging the adverse finding.
- A review is now ongoing regarding the case.
