Joseph Parker Could Receive Imminent Disqualification Due to Failed Doping Test
The New Zealand heavyweight produced a positive sample as part of a drugs test administered on the day he faced 11th-round loss versus English fighter Fabio Wardley.
The Bout and Its Stakes
Wardley and Parker were part of an intense contest in London on 25 October to establish the identity of the mandatory WBO contender facing undisputed world heavyweight champion Ukrainian champion Usyk.
Parker was previously the primary candidate to challenge the champion after putting together an impressive six wins in a row, however placed his contender position in jeopardy in London and endured an 11th-round defeat.
Positive Test Plus Potential Consequences
A standard screening administered to the boxer through the Voluntary Anti-Doping Agency on the day of the bout showed an adverse result and now leaves the veteran boxer facing a challenge to clear his name.
The boxer's representatives issued a statement which read: "The agency alerted all relevant parties that Joseph Parker returned an adverse finding following a doping test carried out on the 25th October. During the ongoing inquiry, no more comments are planned at this time."
Boxing Journey
Joseph Parker became titleholder in 2016 until he surrendered his championship belt by unanimous decision versus Anthony Joshua in Wales 24 months later.
Joseph Parker has been a regular competitor on British soil from that point, fighting eight times altogether on UK territory and relocating to the Irish capital for training camps alongside highly regarded trainer former champion Lee during this period.
Latest Events
Coached by Andy Lee, Joseph Parker recovered from his defeat in 2022 against Joe Joyce to secure multiple wins that placed him at the front of the line to challenge Oleksandr Usyk until he suffered defeat to the British fighter.
Following Parker returned an adverse finding on the day of the Wardley fight, reportedly for cocaine, an inquiry regarding the results has commenced.
- Joseph Parker failed a drug test for an illegal substance.
- The test was conducted by Vada the day of the bout.
- The fighter now faces disciplinary action from boxing.
- His representatives published an announcement confirming the failed examination.
- A review is now in progress regarding the case.
