New Zealand's Joseph Parker Faces Possible Disqualification Due to Failed Doping Test
The New Zealand heavyweight returned an adverse finding during a anti-doping examination carried out on the day of his 11th-round stoppage to British heavyweight Fabio Wardley.
The Bout Plus the Implications
The British boxer along with Joseph Parker were part of a thrilling bout held in London on 25 October to determine who would become WBO mandatory challenger facing undisputed world heavyweight champion Oleksandr Usyk.
The fighter was previously the leading contender to meet Oleksandr Usyk after compiling a remarkable six consecutive victories, but risked his mandatory challenger status on the line during the bout and suffered a stoppage in round eleven.
Adverse Finding Plus Possible Outcomes
A standard screening conducted on Parker through Vada on the day of the bout returned positive and now leaves the veteran boxer facing a challenge to demonstrate his cleanliness.
Parker's promotional company released a statement declaring: "Vada alerted all relevant parties regarding Joseph Parker had a positive result subsequent to a doping test carried out on October 25th. While the matter is investigated, no more comments are forthcoming at this time."
Career Background
Joseph Parker was crowned heavyweight champion six years ago prior to he lost the WBO title by unanimous decision against Anthony Joshua in Cardiff in 2018.
Parker became a frequent visitor on British soil since then, competing in eight bouts overall in Britain and relocating to Dublin for preparation with highly regarded trainer Andy Lee in recent years.
Recent Developments
Under the tutelage of Lee, Joseph Parker bounced back from his defeat in 2022 versus Joe Joyce to secure multiple wins positioning him as the top contender to meet Usyk until he was defeated against Wardley.
Following Parker's sample showed a positive test when he fought Wardley, reportedly involving cocaine, an inquiry about the test outcome has commenced.
- Parker tested positive for a prohibited substance.
- The examination was administered by Vada the day of the bout.
- Parker could receive a possible suspension from competition.
- His representatives has issued a statement addressing the adverse finding.
- A review is now ongoing about the situation.
