Joseph Parker Could Receive Potential Disqualification After Failed Doping Test
Former world champion Parker tested positive in a drugs test carried out the very day of his 11th-round loss versus English fighter Fabio Wardley.
The Bout Plus the Stakes
The British boxer along with the New Zealander were part of a pulsating encounter held in London last October to decide the identity of the WBO mandatory challenger facing undisputed world heavyweight champion Oleksandr Usyk.
Joseph Parker was previously next in line to face the champion subsequent to compiling a notable six consecutive victories, but placed his mandatory challenger status at stake during the bout and suffered an 11th-round stoppage.
Failed Examination and Possible Outcomes
A routine test administered to Parker via the Voluntary Anti-Doping Agency on the day of the bout showed an adverse result and leaves the veteran boxer facing a challenge to prove his innocence.
His promotion team issued a communique stating: "The agency alerted everyone involved regarding Joseph Parker tested positive subsequent to a drug screening administered on October 25th. While the matter is investigated, no more comments are planned for now."
Professional History
The New Zealand boxer earned the title of heavyweight champion in 2016 prior to he surrendered his WBO belt by unanimous decision to British star Joshua at the Millennium Stadium in 2018.
The fighter remained a regular competitor across the United Kingdom since then, fighting eight times altogether on UK territory and moving to Ireland for preparation with respected coach former champion Lee over the past few years.
Latest Events
Coached by Andy Lee, Joseph Parker bounced back from his 2022 loss against British heavyweight Joyce to chalk up several successes positioning him front of the queue to meet the champion prior to he was defeated against Wardley.
After Parker's sample showed a positive test during the Wardley bout, reportedly involving cocaine, a probe about the test outcome is underway.
- The boxer failed a drug test for an illegal substance.
- The examination took place through Vada on the fight day.
- Joseph Parker could receive a potential ban from boxing.
- His promotional team published a statement acknowledging the failed examination.
- A review is currently underway into the matter.
