Boxer Joseph Parker Could Receive Imminent Disqualification Due to Positive Anti-Doping Test
Joseph Parker tested positive in a drugs test administered the very day of his 11th-round stoppage against English fighter Ipswich-born Wardley.
The Fight Plus the Stakes
Fabio Wardley and Parker engaged in a thrilling contest held in London in late October to establish who would become WBO mandatory challenger against reigning heavyweight king Ukrainian champion Usyk.
Parker had positioned himself as the leading contender to meet Oleksandr Usyk after putting together a remarkable six-fight winning streak, but risked his mandatory challenger status on the line during the bout and experienced an 11th-round defeat.
Positive Test and Implications
A routine test administered to Parker through the anti-doping organization the day he fought came back positive and leaves the 36-year-old with a battle to clear his name.
The boxer's representatives issued an announcement which read: "The agency alerted all relevant parties that Joseph Parker had a positive result subsequent to a drug screening administered on October 25th. As the investigation continues, no further statements are planned at this time."
Career Background
The New Zealand boxer was crowned heavyweight champion six years ago until he was defeated for his championship belt by unanimous decision against Anthony Joshua in Wales in 2018.
Joseph Parker remained a regular competitor on British soil since then, competing in eight bouts overall on UK territory and relocating to the Irish capital for fight camps alongside highly regarded trainer Andy Lee over the past few years.
Current Situation
Under the tutelage of Lee, Parker bounced back from the 2022 setback versus Joe Joyce to achieve a string of victories that placed him at the front of the line to meet Usyk before he lost to Wardley.
Subsequent to the boxer produced a failed test on the day of the Wardley fight, reportedly involving cocaine, a probe into the findings has been started.
- Parker returned an adverse finding for a prohibited substance.
- The test took place via the anti-doping agency the day of the bout.
- The fighter is confronting a possible suspension from competition.
- His promotional team has issued a statement acknowledging the adverse finding.
- A formal inquiry has been in progress into the matter.
