New Zealand's Joseph Parker Confronts Possible Disqualification After Failed Anti-Doping Test
Former world champion Parker produced a positive sample as part of a drugs test conducted the very day of his 11th-round loss against English fighter Fabio Wardley.
The Match Plus the Consequences
Wardley and the New Zealander participated in an intense bout held in London in late October to establish who would become mandatory WBO contender against unified heavyweight titleholder Oleksandr Usyk.
Joseph Parker was previously the primary candidate to challenge Oleksandr Usyk subsequent to stringing together a remarkable six consecutive victories, but put his shot at the title at stake in London and suffered an 11th-round defeat.
Positive Test Plus Implications
A standard screening conducted on the boxer via the anti-doping organization the day of the match returned positive and leaves Parker in a difficult position to clear his name.
The boxer's representatives published an announcement declaring: "Vada alerted all relevant parties regarding Joseph Parker returned an adverse finding following a drug screening administered on the fight day. While the matter is investigated, no further statements will be made for now."
Career Background
Joseph Parker earned the title of world champion back in 2016 prior to he surrendered his championship belt through a points decision versus Anthony Joshua in Cardiff 24 months later.
Joseph Parker became a frequent visitor on British soil from that point, fighting eight times altogether in Britain and moving to the Irish capital for fight camps under respected coach Andy Lee in recent years.
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Under the tutelage of Lee, Parker overcame his defeat in 2022 versus Joe Joyce to chalk up multiple wins which put him at the front of the line to challenge Usyk prior to he was defeated to Wardley.
Subsequent to Parker's sample showed a positive test during the Wardley bout, allegedly for cocaine, a probe into the findings has been started.
- Parker failed a drug test for an illegal substance.
- The test was administered by Vada on October 25th.
- The fighter is confronting a potential ban from boxing.
- Queensberry has issued an announcement confirming the failed examination.
- An investigation is now in progress about the situation.
