Boxer Joseph Parker Faces Possible Disqualification After Failed Doping Test
The New Zealand heavyweight returned an adverse finding in a doping test administered the same day he fought in 11th-round defeat against UK boxer Fabio Wardley.
The Bout and Its Stakes
Fabio Wardley along with the New Zealander participated in an intense contest held in London on 25 October to determine the next next in line for the WBO facing reigning heavyweight king Ukrainian champion Usyk.
The fighter had been the leading contender to face the champion following putting together a remarkable six wins in a row, yet risked his mandatory challenger status in jeopardy in the UK and suffered an 11th-round stoppage.
Failed Examination Along with Possible Outcomes
A standard screening given to Parker by Vada on the day of the bout returned positive and now leaves the veteran boxer in a difficult position to demonstrate his cleanliness.
The boxer's representatives issued a communique which read: "The anti-doping body notified all relevant parties that Joseph Parker tested positive following a doping test administered on the fight day. As the investigation continues, no more comments will be made for now."
Boxing Journey
The New Zealand boxer earned the title of heavyweight champion back in 2016 before he lost his WBO belt via unanimous decision versus Anthony Joshua at the Millennium Stadium 24 months later.
Joseph Parker has been a regular competitor on British soil after that, competing in eight bouts overall on UK territory and transferring to the Irish capital for fight camps under respected coach Andy Lee during this period.
Latest Events
Under the tutelage of Lee, Joseph Parker recovered from the 2022 setback to Joe Joyce to secure several successes positioning him at the front of the line to face Oleksandr Usyk prior to he lost to the British fighter.
Following the boxer produced an adverse finding on the day of the Wardley fight, allegedly for cocaine, an inquiry regarding the results has been started.
- Parker returned an adverse finding for a prohibited substance.
- The test was conducted through Vada on the fight day.
- Joseph Parker is confronting disciplinary action from competition.
- His promotional team published a comment confirming the failed examination.
- A review is currently underway about the situation.
