New Zealand's Joseph Parker Confronts Possible Disqualification Following Positive Doping Test
Joseph Parker tested positive during a doping test administered the same day he fought in 11th-round defeat against English fighter Fabio Wardley.
The Bout Plus the Stakes
Fabio Wardley together with Parker were part of a thrilling encounter held in London in late October to establish who would become mandatory WBO contender to reigning heavyweight king Ukrainian champion Usyk.
Parker had positioned himself as the leading contender to face the champion subsequent to stringing together a remarkable six-fight winning streak, yet placed his shot at the title on the line in London and endured a stoppage in round eleven.
Positive Test and Potential Consequences
A standard screening given to Parker through Vada on the day of the bout returned positive and now leaves the 36-year-old with a battle to prove his innocence.
Parker's promotional company published a communique declaring: "Vada notified everyone involved regarding Joseph Parker had a positive result after a doping test carried out on October 25th. During the ongoing inquiry, no additional comment will be made currently."
Professional History
Joseph Parker was crowned titleholder in 2016 before he lost his championship belt via unanimous decision versus British star Joshua in Cardiff two years later.
Joseph Parker remained a regular competitor on British soil since then, fighting eight times altogether in Britain and relocating to Dublin for fight camps under respected coach Andy Lee during this period.
Current Situation
Coached by Andy Lee, Parker overcame the 2022 setback against Joe Joyce to secure multiple wins which put him as the top contender to meet the champion until he lost to the British fighter.
Subsequent to Parker returned an adverse finding when he fought Wardley, reportedly involving cocaine, a probe about the test outcome has commenced.
- Joseph Parker failed a drug test for a prohibited substance.
- The screening was conducted via the anti-doping agency on the fight day.
- Parker is confronting a possible suspension from boxing.
- Queensberry has issued an announcement acknowledging the adverse finding.
- An investigation is currently in progress about the situation.
