New Zealand's Joseph Parker Confronts Possible Disqualification After Positive Drugs Test
Joseph Parker produced a positive sample in a doping test conducted the very day of his 11th-round stoppage versus British heavyweight Fabio Wardley.
The Fight Plus the Implications
Wardley together with Parker participated in an intense contest in London last October to decide who would become WBO mandatory challenger against reigning heavyweight king Ukrainian champion Usyk.
Joseph Parker had positioned himself as the primary candidate to meet the champion following putting together an impressive six wins in a row, however placed his contender position at stake in the UK and suffered an 11th-round stoppage.
Failed Examination and Implications
An ordinary examination administered to Joseph Parker through Vada on the day of the bout showed an adverse result which leaves the 36-year-old facing a challenge to prove his innocence.
The boxer's representatives published a statement which read: "The agency alerted all relevant parties regarding Joseph Parker had a positive result subsequent to a drug screening administered on the 25th October. While the matter is investigated, no further statements will be made currently."
Professional History
Joseph Parker was crowned heavyweight champion in 2016 before he lost the WBO title through a points decision versus Anthony Joshua in Wales two years later.
Joseph Parker became a regular competitor on British soil since then, fighting eight times overall in the UK and relocating to the Irish capital for training camps under respected coach Andy Lee over the past few years.
Recent Developments
Coached by Andy Lee, the boxer bounced back from the 2022 setback to Joe Joyce to chalk up several successes that placed him at the front of the line to meet Oleksandr Usyk before he lost to the British fighter.
After Parker's sample showed a positive test when he fought Wardley, allegedly for cocaine, an investigation into the findings has commenced.
- Parker tested positive for a prohibited substance.
- The screening was administered via the anti-doping agency on the fight day.
- The fighter could receive a possible suspension from boxing.
- Queensberry published an announcement addressing the adverse finding.
- A review has been in progress about the situation.
