New Zealand's Joseph Parker Could Receive Imminent Disqualification Following Failed Doping Test
Former world champion Parker returned an adverse finding in a drugs test administered the same day he faced 11th-round loss to English fighter Ipswich-born Wardley.
The Fight Plus the Consequences
Wardley and Joseph Parker engaged in a thrilling contest held in London last October to decide the next next in line for the WBO against unified heavyweight titleholder Oleksandr Usyk.
Joseph Parker had positioned himself as the leading contender to challenge Oleksandr Usyk subsequent to compiling a notable six consecutive victories, however put his mandatory challenger status at stake during the bout and endured a stoppage in round eleven.
Adverse Finding Along with Implications
A standard screening administered to Joseph Parker through Vada the day of the match showed an adverse result and leaves the 36-year-old with a battle to prove his innocence.
His promotion team released an announcement stating: "The anti-doping body alerted all required parties about Parker had a positive result following a doping test carried out on the 25th October. While the matter is investigated, no further statements are forthcoming currently."
Boxing Journey
Joseph Parker was crowned titleholder six years ago prior to he surrendered his championship belt through a points decision versus Anthony Joshua in Wales two years later.
Joseph Parker became a regular competitor in the UK after that, fighting eight times overall in Britain and transferring to Ireland for fight camps with respected coach former champion Lee over the past few years.
Latest Events
Coached by Andy Lee, Parker overcame the 2022 setback to British heavyweight Joyce to chalk up a string of victories positioning him as the top contender to meet Oleksandr Usyk prior to he lost to Wardley.
Following Parker returned a positive test during the Wardley bout, allegedly for cocaine, a probe into the findings is underway.
- Joseph Parker failed a drug test for a banned substance.
- The screening took place via the anti-doping agency the day of the bout.
- Joseph Parker now faces a possible suspension from the sport.
- His representatives released an announcement confirming the positive test.
- A formal inquiry is now in progress about the situation.
