New Zealand's Joseph Parker Confronts Potential Disqualification Following Positive Doping Test
The New Zealand heavyweight returned an adverse finding during a drugs test carried out the same day of his 11th-round loss to UK boxer Fabio Wardley.
The Match and Its Consequences
The British boxer and Joseph Parker participated in a pulsating bout staged in the UK capital on 25 October to determine the next WBO mandatory challenger to unified heavyweight titleholder Ukrainian champion Usyk.
Joseph Parker had positioned himself as the leading contender to meet Oleksandr Usyk after stringing together a remarkable six wins in a row, but placed his contender position at stake in London and endured an 11th-round defeat.
Adverse Finding Along with Potential Consequences
An ordinary examination given to Parker by the anti-doping organization the day of the match came back positive which leaves the 36-year-old facing a challenge to prove his innocence.
The boxer's representatives published a communique stating: "Vada notified everyone involved regarding Joseph Parker returned an adverse finding after a doping test carried out on the 25th October. During the ongoing inquiry, no additional comment are planned at this time."
Professional History
The New Zealand boxer became titleholder in 2016 until he surrendered the WBO title via unanimous decision to Anthony Joshua in Wales 24 months later.
Joseph Parker became an active participant in the UK after that, fighting eight times in total in the UK and relocating to Ireland for preparation with respected coach Andy Lee in recent years.
Current Situation
Under the tutelage of Lee, Parker overcame his 2022 loss to Joe Joyce to achieve a string of victories positioning him at the front of the line to meet the champion prior to he suffered defeat to Wardley.
Subsequent to Parker's sample showed an adverse finding during the Wardley bout, reportedly for cocaine, an inquiry into the findings has been started.
- Parker tested positive for a banned substance.
- The examination was administered via the anti-doping agency on October 25th.
- Parker now faces a potential ban from competition.
- His representatives has issued a statement addressing the failed examination.
- An investigation is currently in progress regarding the case.
