New Zealand's Joseph Parker Faces Possible Disqualification After Positive Drugs Test
Joseph Parker produced a positive sample during a doping test conducted on the day he faced 11th-round stoppage versus UK boxer Fabio Wardley.
The Fight and Its Stakes
Fabio Wardley together with the New Zealander participated in a thrilling encounter held in London on 25 October to determine the identity of the next in line for the WBO to unified heavyweight titleholder Oleksandr Usyk.
Joseph Parker was previously next in line to meet the champion after putting together an impressive six wins in a row, yet risked his shot at the title at stake in London and experienced an 11th-round defeat.
Positive Test Plus Potential Consequences
A routine test given to Parker through the Voluntary Anti-Doping Agency the day he fought came back positive which leaves the 36-year-old in a difficult position to demonstrate his cleanliness.
Parker's promotional company issued a communique declaring: "Vada notified all relevant parties about Parker returned an adverse finding following a drug screening carried out on the 25th October. As the investigation continues, no further statements will be made for now."
Boxing Journey
Parker earned the title of heavyweight champion in 2016 prior to he lost his WBO belt via unanimous decision to Anthony Joshua at the Millennium Stadium two years later.
The fighter became a regular competitor across the United Kingdom from that point, competing in eight bouts in total on UK territory and relocating to Dublin for training camps alongside respected coach Andy Lee in recent years.
Recent Developments
Guided by Lee, Parker overcame the 2022 setback versus British heavyweight Joyce to chalk up several successes positioning him at the front of the line to challenge the champion before he lost to Wardley.
Subsequent to the boxer produced an adverse finding on the day of the Wardley fight, allegedly for cocaine, an investigation regarding the results has been started.
- Parker returned an adverse finding for an illegal substance.
- The examination took place through Vada the day of the bout.
- Parker is confronting disciplinary action from the sport.
- His promotional team has issued a comment addressing the positive test.
- A formal inquiry is currently ongoing about the situation.
