Joseph Parker Confronts Possible Disqualification Following Failed Drugs Test
Joseph Parker tested positive during a anti-doping examination carried out on the day of his 11th-round defeat against English fighter Fabio Wardley.
The Bout Plus the Consequences
Fabio Wardley along with Parker were part of a thrilling contest held in London on 25 October to decide who would become WBO mandatory challenger against reigning heavyweight king Ukrainian champion Usyk.
Joseph Parker had been the primary candidate to challenge Oleksandr Usyk subsequent to stringing together a notable six wins in a row, but put his contender position in jeopardy during the bout and experienced an 11th-round defeat.
Positive Test and Potential Consequences
A routine test given to Joseph Parker by Vada on the day of the bout returned positive and leaves the 36-year-old with a battle to demonstrate his cleanliness.
Parker's promotional company published a communique which read: "The agency alerted all relevant parties that Joseph Parker returned an adverse finding following a drug screening administered on the 25th October. As the investigation continues, no further statements are planned for now."
Career Background
The New Zealand boxer was crowned heavyweight champion back in 2016 prior to he lost the WBO title via unanimous decision to British star Joshua in Cardiff 24 months later.
Joseph Parker remained an active participant across the United Kingdom after that, competing in eight bouts altogether on UK territory and transferring to Ireland for training camps under esteemed mentor former champion Lee in recent years.
Latest Events
Coached by Andy Lee, Parker recovered from his defeat in 2022 against Joe Joyce to secure several successes that placed him at the front of the line to challenge Oleksandr Usyk before he was defeated to the British fighter.
Subsequent to Parker returned a failed test on the day of the Wardley fight, reportedly involving cocaine, a probe into the findings has been started.
- Joseph Parker returned an adverse finding for a prohibited substance.
- The screening was conducted via the anti-doping agency the day of the bout.
- The fighter could receive disciplinary action from the sport.
- His promotional team published a statement acknowledging the adverse finding.
- A review is now in progress about the situation.
