New Zealand's Joseph Parker Could Receive Possible Disqualification Following Failed Anti-Doping Test
Former world champion Parker returned an adverse finding during a drugs test carried out on the day of his 11th-round loss to UK boxer Fabio Wardley.
The Bout Along with Its Consequences
Fabio Wardley and the New Zealander engaged in a pulsating encounter staged in the UK capital in late October to establish who would become WBO mandatory challenger to reigning heavyweight king Oleksandr Usyk.
Parker had positioned himself as the leading contender to meet the champion after putting together an impressive six consecutive victories, yet put his contender position on the line during the bout and suffered a stoppage in round eleven.
Failed Examination Along with Possible Outcomes
An ordinary examination administered to Parker by the Voluntary Anti-Doping Agency the day of the match returned positive which leaves the 36-year-old facing a challenge to demonstrate his cleanliness.
The boxer's representatives released an announcement which read: "The agency informed all required parties that Joseph Parker tested positive subsequent to an anti-doping test carried out on the 25th October. While the matter is investigated, no additional comment will be made currently."
Professional History
The New Zealand boxer became titleholder in 2016 before he surrendered his WBO belt by unanimous decision to Anthony Joshua in Cardiff two years later.
The fighter became an active participant across the United Kingdom after that, fighting eight times in total in the UK and moving to Dublin for fight camps with respected coach Andy Lee over the past few years.
Current Situation
Under the tutelage of Lee, Parker recovered from his defeat in 2022 to Joe Joyce to chalk up a string of victories that placed him as the top contender to meet the champion prior to he was defeated against Wardley.
Subsequent to the boxer produced a failed test on the day of the Wardley fight, allegedly for cocaine, an investigation regarding the results has been started.
- Parker failed a drug test for a prohibited substance.
- The test was administered by Vada on October 25th.
- The fighter is confronting a potential ban from boxing.
- His representatives published a statement acknowledging the positive test.
- A review is now ongoing regarding the case.
