Boxer Joseph Parker Confronts Possible Disqualification Following Positive Drugs Test
The New Zealand heavyweight returned an adverse finding as part of a drugs test administered on the day he faced 11th-round loss versus British heavyweight Fabio Wardley.
The Match and Its Implications
Wardley and the New Zealander were part of a thrilling contest held in London on 25 October to determine who would become WBO mandatory challenger against unified heavyweight titleholder Oleksandr Usyk.
The fighter had positioned himself as the primary candidate to face Oleksandr Usyk subsequent to compiling an impressive six wins in a row, however placed his contender position on the line in the UK and suffered an 11th-round stoppage.
Positive Test Plus Implications
An ordinary examination given to Parker by the anti-doping organization on the day of the bout returned positive and now leaves the veteran boxer facing a challenge to prove his innocence.
The boxer's representatives published an announcement which read: "The anti-doping body notified everyone involved about Parker tested positive after a drug screening carried out on October 25th. While the matter is investigated, no more comments will be made currently."
Career Background
Parker became titleholder back in 2016 prior to he lost the WBO title through a points decision to Anthony Joshua in Cardiff two years later.
Joseph Parker has been an active participant on British soil from that point, competing in eight bouts in total in the UK and moving to Ireland for preparation with respected coach former champion Lee in recent years.
Latest Events
Coached by Andy Lee, Parker bounced back from his 2022 loss to Joe Joyce to chalk up multiple wins which put him front of the queue to challenge the champion prior to he suffered defeat against Wardley.
Following Parker returned a failed test on the day of the Wardley fight, allegedly for cocaine, an investigation into the findings has commenced.
- Joseph Parker tested positive for an illegal substance.
- The test took place via the anti-doping agency on October 25th.
- Parker is confronting a possible suspension from the sport.
- His promotional team has issued a statement addressing the positive test.
- An investigation has been ongoing about the situation.
