Boxer Joseph Parker Faces Potential Disqualification Due to Failed Anti-Doping Test
The New Zealand heavyweight tested positive in a doping test conducted on the day of his 11th-round defeat versus English fighter Fabio Wardley.
The Bout Along with Its Stakes
Fabio Wardley together with the New Zealander engaged in a pulsating encounter staged in the UK capital last October to decide the next WBO mandatory challenger facing unified heavyweight titleholder Ukrainian champion Usyk.
Joseph Parker had positioned himself as the primary candidate to face Oleksandr Usyk after compiling a remarkable six-fight winning streak, yet put his mandatory challenger status at stake in the UK and experienced an 11th-round defeat.
Adverse Finding Along with Implications
A standard screening conducted on the boxer by the Voluntary Anti-Doping Agency the day of the match showed an adverse result and now leaves the 36-year-old with a battle to prove his innocence.
The boxer's representatives published a statement which read: "The agency alerted all required parties that Joseph Parker had a positive result subsequent to a drug screening conducted on the fight day. As the investigation continues, no more comments are forthcoming currently."
Professional History
The New Zealand boxer earned the title of titleholder back in 2016 until he lost the WBO title via unanimous decision against Anthony Joshua in Cardiff two years later.
Joseph Parker became a regular competitor in the UK after that, competing in eight bouts in total on UK territory and transferring to the Irish capital for training camps under esteemed mentor Andy Lee during this period.
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Under the tutelage of Lee, Parker overcame the 2022 setback against British heavyweight Joyce to secure several successes which put him front of the queue to face the champion before he was defeated to the British fighter.
After the boxer produced an adverse finding when he fought Wardley, reportedly involving cocaine, an investigation regarding the results has been started.
- Joseph Parker failed a drug test for a banned substance.
- The examination was administered by Vada on October 25th.
- Joseph Parker now faces a possible suspension from boxing.
- Queensberry published a statement addressing the failed examination.
- An investigation is now ongoing into the matter.
