New Zealand's Joseph Parker Faces Possible Disqualification Due to Positive Doping Test
Joseph Parker tested positive as part of a anti-doping examination conducted on the day he faced 11th-round stoppage against UK boxer Fabio Wardley.
The Bout Plus the Consequences
Fabio Wardley and Joseph Parker were part of a pulsating bout in London last October to establish the next WBO mandatory challenger facing undisputed world heavyweight champion Oleksandr Usyk.
The fighter had positioned himself as next in line to meet Oleksandr Usyk subsequent to putting together a remarkable six-fight winning streak, yet placed his mandatory challenger status at stake in London and experienced a stoppage in round eleven.
Failed Examination Along with Possible Outcomes
A standard screening conducted on the boxer via Vada the day of the match returned positive and now leaves Parker with a battle to clear his name.
His promotion team published an announcement which read: "The agency notified everyone involved regarding Joseph Parker tested positive after a doping test administered on October 25th. While the matter is investigated, no additional comment are planned currently."
Boxing Journey
Parker earned the title of world champion six years ago before he lost the WBO title through a points decision to British star Joshua in Wales in 2018.
Parker has been a frequent visitor on British soil since then, having eight matches overall in Britain and transferring to the Irish capital for preparation alongside highly regarded trainer former champion Lee over the past few years.
Current Situation
Guided by Lee, the boxer overcame the 2022 setback against Joe Joyce to chalk up several successes positioning him front of the queue to challenge Usyk before he was defeated to the British fighter.
Following Parker's sample showed an adverse finding when he fought Wardley, reportedly involving cocaine, an inquiry regarding the results has been started.
- Joseph Parker tested positive for an illegal substance.
- The test was conducted via the anti-doping agency on the fight day.
- Joseph Parker is confronting a potential ban from the sport.
- His representatives has issued a statement confirming the adverse finding.
- An investigation is now underway into the matter.
