Boxer Joseph Parker Confronts Potential Disqualification Following Failed Doping Test
The New Zealand heavyweight produced a positive sample during a anti-doping examination administered the very day he fought in 11th-round stoppage versus British heavyweight Fabio Wardley.
The Match Plus the Consequences
The British boxer along with Joseph Parker were part of a pulsating bout staged in the UK capital last October to decide the next mandatory WBO contender facing unified heavyweight titleholder Oleksandr Usyk.
Parker had been the primary candidate to face the champion following compiling an impressive six consecutive victories, yet placed his contender position at stake in London and endured an 11th-round stoppage.
Positive Test and Potential Consequences
A routine test administered to Parker through the Voluntary Anti-Doping Agency the day of the match came back positive and now leaves the veteran boxer with a battle to clear his name.
His promotion team released a statement stating: "The anti-doping body alerted everyone involved regarding Joseph Parker returned an adverse finding following a drug screening conducted on the fight day. During the ongoing inquiry, no additional comment are forthcoming currently."
Professional History
Parker was crowned world champion six years ago before he lost the WBO title through a points decision versus Anthony Joshua in Cardiff in 2018.
Joseph Parker has been a frequent visitor in the UK since then, having eight matches altogether in the UK and moving to Ireland for training camps alongside highly regarded trainer Andy Lee during this period.
Latest Events
Coached by Andy Lee, Parker recovered from his defeat in 2022 versus Joe Joyce to achieve a string of victories which put him as the top contender to meet Oleksandr Usyk until he was defeated to Wardley.
Following Parker returned an adverse finding on the day of the Wardley fight, reportedly involving cocaine, a probe regarding the results is underway.
- The boxer tested positive for an illegal substance.
- The screening was conducted through Vada the day of the bout.
- The fighter now faces a potential ban from the sport.
- His promotional team published a statement confirming the adverse finding.
- A review has been ongoing regarding the case.
