Boxer Joseph Parker Faces Possible Disqualification Following Positive Doping Test
The New Zealand heavyweight produced a positive sample as part of a drugs test carried out the very day of his 11th-round defeat against UK boxer Fabio Wardley.
The Match Along with Its Consequences
The British boxer along with Parker participated in an intense bout in London in late October to decide the next WBO mandatory challenger against reigning heavyweight king Oleksandr Usyk.
Parker was previously the primary candidate to face Usyk after putting together a remarkable six-fight winning streak, however put his mandatory challenger status in jeopardy in London and endured an 11th-round stoppage.
Adverse Finding Along with Potential Consequences
A routine test administered to Parker by Vada on the day of the bout showed an adverse result and leaves Parker facing a challenge to prove his innocence.
His promotion team published a statement which read: "Vada alerted all relevant parties that Joseph Parker had a positive result subsequent to an anti-doping test carried out on the 25th October. During the ongoing inquiry, no further statements are forthcoming currently."
Career Background
The New Zealand boxer was crowned heavyweight champion back in 2016 prior to he was defeated for his championship belt through a points decision against Anthony Joshua in Cardiff two years later.
Parker remained an active participant in the UK from that point, competing in eight bouts in total on UK territory and relocating to Ireland for fight camps with respected coach Andy Lee during this period.
Latest Events
Coached by Andy Lee, Parker bounced back from his defeat in 2022 to Joe Joyce to achieve multiple wins positioning him at the front of the line to face Oleksandr Usyk prior to he was defeated against Wardley.
Subsequent to Parker's sample showed an adverse finding on the day of the Wardley fight, reportedly for cocaine, a probe about the test outcome is underway.
- The boxer returned an adverse finding for an illegal substance.
- The screening was conducted by Vada on the fight day.
- The fighter is confronting a potential ban from competition.
- Queensberry has issued an announcement confirming the failed examination.
- A formal inquiry is now ongoing about the situation.
