Joseph Parker Could Receive Possible Disqualification Due to Failed Doping Test
Joseph Parker tested positive during a doping test conducted the same day of his 11th-round loss versus English fighter Fabio Wardley.
The Fight Plus the Consequences
The British boxer along with Parker were part of a pulsating encounter held in London last October to determine who would become WBO mandatory challenger to reigning heavyweight king Oleksandr Usyk.
The fighter was previously the primary candidate to face Oleksandr Usyk following compiling a remarkable six-fight winning streak, but risked his contender position at stake in the UK and endured an 11th-round defeat.
Failed Examination Along with Implications
A standard screening administered to Joseph Parker through the Voluntary Anti-Doping Agency on the day of the bout came back positive which leaves Parker with a battle to clear his name.
His promotion team issued a statement declaring: "Vada informed everyone involved about Parker had a positive result following a doping test conducted on the 25th October. While the matter is investigated, no additional comment will be made currently."
Boxing Journey
The New Zealand boxer earned the title of titleholder back in 2016 before he surrendered his WBO belt through a points decision to Anthony Joshua in Cardiff 24 months later.
The fighter remained a regular competitor across the United Kingdom after that, fighting eight times altogether on UK territory and transferring to Ireland for fight camps with esteemed mentor former champion Lee during this period.
Recent Developments
Coached by Andy Lee, the boxer recovered from his 2022 loss against Joe Joyce to chalk up several successes that placed him as the top contender to face the champion prior to he lost against Wardley.
Subsequent to Parker's sample showed a failed test when he fought Wardley, reportedly involving cocaine, an inquiry into the findings has commenced.
- Parker returned an adverse finding for a banned substance.
- The screening took place through Vada the day of the bout.
- The fighter could receive a possible suspension from competition.
- His promotional team released a statement addressing the positive test.
- A review is currently in progress about the situation.
