Boxer Joseph Parker Faces Potential Disqualification Due to Positive Doping Test
Joseph Parker returned an adverse finding as part of a anti-doping examination conducted the same day of his 11th-round defeat versus English fighter Fabio Wardley.
The Match Plus the Implications
The British boxer and Parker were part of a pulsating bout in London last October to determine the identity of the WBO mandatory challenger to undisputed world heavyweight champion Oleksandr Usyk.
The fighter had been the primary candidate to face the champion following stringing together a notable six wins in a row, but placed his mandatory challenger status at stake in London and experienced an 11th-round defeat.
Failed Examination and Possible Outcomes
A standard screening administered to Parker via Vada the day of the match came back positive and now leaves the 36-year-old in a difficult position to clear his name.
The boxer's representatives released a communique declaring: "The agency informed all relevant parties regarding Joseph Parker returned an adverse finding following a doping test carried out on the fight day. As the investigation continues, no additional comment are forthcoming for now."
Professional History
The New Zealand boxer earned the title of titleholder in 2016 until he lost his WBO belt by unanimous decision against Anthony Joshua in Cardiff in 2018.
Parker became an active participant in the UK after that, fighting eight times altogether in Britain and transferring to Ireland for preparation under esteemed mentor former champion Lee over the past few years.
Latest Events
Guided by Lee, Joseph Parker recovered from his defeat in 2022 versus Joe Joyce to achieve several successes which put him at the front of the line to face the champion before he lost against Wardley.
After Parker returned a failed test when he fought Wardley, reportedly involving cocaine, a probe into the findings is underway.
- Joseph Parker returned an adverse finding for a prohibited substance.
- The examination was conducted by Vada on the fight day.
- Joseph Parker is confronting disciplinary action from boxing.
- His representatives released a comment addressing the adverse finding.
- A formal inquiry has been in progress into the matter.
