New Zealand's Joseph Parker Faces Potential Disqualification Following Failed Doping Test
Joseph Parker produced a positive sample during a doping test conducted the same day he fought in 11th-round loss versus British heavyweight Fabio Wardley.
The Bout Plus the Consequences
Wardley and Parker engaged in an intense bout in London in late October to determine the next WBO mandatory challenger facing undisputed world heavyweight champion Oleksandr Usyk.
Parker was previously the primary candidate to meet Oleksandr Usyk subsequent to stringing together a notable six consecutive victories, however risked his shot at the title on the line in the UK and experienced an 11th-round stoppage.
Failed Examination and Potential Consequences
An ordinary examination conducted on Parker via Vada on the day of the bout came back positive and leaves Parker with a battle to clear his name.
The boxer's representatives published a statement stating: "The anti-doping body notified all relevant parties about Parker tested positive subsequent to a drug screening carried out on the fight day. As the investigation continues, no further statements are planned for now."
Boxing Journey
The New Zealand boxer became heavyweight champion in 2016 before he lost the WBO title through a points decision versus Anthony Joshua in Cardiff in 2018.
The fighter has been a regular competitor across the United Kingdom since then, fighting eight times in total on UK territory and moving to Ireland for preparation alongside highly regarded trainer former champion Lee in recent years.
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Under the tutelage of Lee, Parker bounced back from the 2022 setback to Joe Joyce to secure a string of victories positioning him as the top contender to challenge the champion prior to he lost to the British fighter.
Following the boxer produced a positive test on the day of the Wardley fight, reportedly involving cocaine, a probe about the test outcome is underway.
- Joseph Parker failed a drug test for an illegal substance.
- The examination was conducted through Vada the day of the bout.
- Joseph Parker is confronting a potential ban from the sport.
- Queensberry published a comment addressing the adverse finding.
- A formal inquiry is now ongoing into the matter.
