Joseph Parker Faces Imminent Disqualification After Positive Doping Test
Former world champion Parker tested positive during a anti-doping examination administered the same day he fought in 11th-round stoppage versus British heavyweight Ipswich-born Wardley.
The Fight and Its Stakes
Fabio Wardley together with Joseph Parker participated in an intense encounter in London in late October to determine the next WBO mandatory challenger facing unified heavyweight titleholder Oleksandr Usyk.
The fighter had been the leading contender to challenge Usyk after putting together a remarkable six wins in a row, but put his contender position in jeopardy in the UK and suffered an 11th-round defeat.
Adverse Finding Plus Implications
A standard screening given to Parker through Vada the day of the match showed an adverse result and leaves the veteran boxer facing a challenge to clear his name.
Parker's promotional company published an announcement which read: "The agency alerted all required parties about Parker had a positive result after a doping test conducted on the 25th October. During the ongoing inquiry, no additional comment are planned currently."
Career Background
Parker was crowned titleholder six years ago prior to he lost the WBO title through a points decision versus British star Joshua at the Millennium Stadium two years later.
Parker has been an active participant across the United Kingdom after that, competing in eight bouts overall in the UK and relocating to Ireland for training camps with esteemed mentor Andy Lee in recent years.
Latest Events
Coached by Andy Lee, Joseph Parker recovered from the 2022 setback against Joe Joyce to achieve a string of victories that placed him front of the queue to face Oleksandr Usyk prior to he suffered defeat against Wardley.
Following Parker returned a failed test on the day of the Wardley fight, reportedly for cocaine, an inquiry into the findings has commenced.
- Parker failed a drug test for a prohibited substance.
- The examination took place by Vada the day of the bout.
- Joseph Parker now faces a potential ban from boxing.
- Queensberry released an announcement addressing the positive test.
- An investigation is now in progress into the matter.
