Boxer Joseph Parker Could Receive Potential Disqualification Due to Failed Drugs Test
The New Zealand heavyweight produced a positive sample as part of a drugs test conducted the very day of his 11th-round defeat against English fighter Fabio Wardley.
The Match Plus the Consequences
Wardley together with Parker engaged in a pulsating encounter held in London last October to decide the next next in line for the WBO to unified heavyweight titleholder Oleksandr Usyk.
The fighter had positioned himself as the primary candidate to face the champion subsequent to putting together a notable six consecutive victories, but put his mandatory challenger status on the line in the UK and suffered a stoppage in round eleven.
Failed Examination Along with Possible Outcomes
An ordinary examination given to the boxer by the Voluntary Anti-Doping Agency the day he fought returned positive and now leaves the veteran boxer in a difficult position to prove his innocence.
Parker's promotional company issued an announcement stating: "The anti-doping body informed everyone involved about Parker had a positive result following an anti-doping test conducted on the fight day. As the investigation continues, no additional comment will be made currently."
Career Background
Joseph Parker was crowned heavyweight champion six years ago before he surrendered the WBO title through a points decision versus British star Joshua in Wales in 2018.
Joseph Parker has been an active participant across the United Kingdom after that, fighting eight times altogether on UK territory and relocating to the Irish capital for preparation with highly regarded trainer Andy Lee over the past few years.
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Coached by Andy Lee, Parker recovered from his defeat in 2022 against Joe Joyce to chalk up multiple wins which put him front of the queue to face Oleksandr Usyk before he suffered defeat to the British fighter.
After the boxer produced a failed test during the Wardley bout, reportedly for cocaine, an investigation into the findings has commenced.
- Joseph Parker returned an adverse finding for an illegal substance.
- The examination was conducted by Vada on the fight day.
- Parker is confronting a potential ban from boxing.
- Queensberry published a comment acknowledging the positive test.
- A review is currently ongoing about the situation.
