Boxer Joseph Parker Confronts Possible Disqualification Following Positive Anti-Doping Test
Joseph Parker returned an adverse finding in a doping test conducted the very day he fought in 11th-round stoppage to British heavyweight Fabio Wardley.
The Match and Its Consequences
Wardley along with Joseph Parker engaged in a pulsating bout held in London in late October to determine the next mandatory WBO contender facing unified heavyweight titleholder Ukrainian champion Usyk.
The fighter was previously the leading contender to face the champion subsequent to stringing together a remarkable six-fight winning streak, however put his mandatory challenger status in jeopardy in the UK and suffered an 11th-round stoppage.
Positive Test Along with Potential Consequences
An ordinary examination administered to Joseph Parker through Vada on the day of the bout showed an adverse result and now leaves the veteran boxer with a battle to prove his innocence.
Parker's promotional company published an announcement declaring: "The agency alerted everyone involved about Parker tested positive following a doping test administered on October 25th. During the ongoing inquiry, no more comments are planned at this time."
Boxing Journey
Parker was crowned world champion back in 2016 prior to he was defeated for his championship belt by unanimous decision to Anthony Joshua in Cardiff two years later.
Joseph Parker remained a regular competitor in the UK from that point, fighting eight times altogether in the UK and moving to Dublin for preparation alongside respected coach former champion Lee over the past few years.
Current Situation
Under the tutelage of Lee, the boxer bounced back from his 2022 loss to Joe Joyce to achieve a string of victories which put him front of the queue to face Usyk until he lost to the British fighter.
Following the boxer produced a failed test during the Wardley bout, reportedly for cocaine, a probe about the test outcome has been started.
- Parker failed a drug test for a banned substance.
- The test was conducted by Vada on the fight day.
- Joseph Parker could receive a potential ban from boxing.
- Queensberry has issued a statement addressing the adverse finding.
- A formal inquiry is now in progress into the matter.
