Boxer Joseph Parker Could Receive Possible Disqualification Following Positive Drugs Test
The New Zealand heavyweight produced a positive sample during a anti-doping examination conducted on the day he faced 11th-round stoppage against English fighter Ipswich-born Wardley.
The Fight Plus the Consequences
The British boxer together with the New Zealander participated in an intense bout in London last October to decide the next mandatory WBO contender to reigning heavyweight king Ukrainian champion Usyk.
Joseph Parker had positioned himself as the primary candidate to challenge Oleksandr Usyk after putting together an impressive six-fight winning streak, however placed his contender position at stake in London and suffered a stoppage in round eleven.
Failed Examination and Implications
A routine test conducted on Joseph Parker via Vada the day of the match came back positive which leaves Parker in a difficult position to clear his name.
The boxer's representatives published a statement stating: "Vada notified everyone involved that Joseph Parker returned an adverse finding following an anti-doping test carried out on the 25th October. While the matter is investigated, no additional comment will be made at this time."
Career Background
Parker was crowned heavyweight champion back in 2016 until he was defeated for his championship belt by unanimous decision versus British star Joshua in Wales 24 months later.
The fighter became an active participant in the UK after that, fighting eight times in total in Britain and transferring to Ireland for fight camps with highly regarded trainer Andy Lee over the past few years.
Recent Developments
Guided by Lee, Parker recovered from his defeat in 2022 against Joe Joyce to chalk up several successes which put him front of the queue to challenge Usyk before he lost to Wardley.
After the boxer produced a positive test on the day of the Wardley fight, reportedly involving cocaine, a probe into the findings has commenced.
- Joseph Parker returned an adverse finding for a prohibited substance.
- The examination was conducted through Vada on October 25th.
- Parker now faces disciplinary action from the sport.
- His promotional team has issued a comment acknowledging the failed examination.
- An investigation is currently ongoing regarding the case.
