Joseph Parker Could Receive Potential Disqualification Due to Failed Doping Test
Former world champion Parker returned an adverse finding as part of a drugs test administered on the day of his 11th-round stoppage to British heavyweight Fabio Wardley.
The Fight and Its Stakes
Fabio Wardley along with the New Zealander participated in a pulsating encounter staged in the UK capital on 25 October to decide the next next in line for the WBO against unified heavyweight titleholder Ukrainian champion Usyk.
Parker had positioned himself as the primary candidate to face Usyk following compiling an impressive six wins in a row, but put his mandatory challenger status at stake in the UK and suffered a stoppage in round eleven.
Positive Test and Implications
A standard screening conducted on Parker by Vada on the day of the bout returned positive and leaves the veteran boxer in a difficult position to clear his name.
His promotion team released an announcement which read: "The anti-doping body alerted all relevant parties about Parker tested positive following a doping test carried out on the fight day. As the investigation continues, no more comments are forthcoming for now."
Professional History
Joseph Parker earned the title of titleholder back in 2016 prior to he lost the WBO title via unanimous decision versus Anthony Joshua in Wales two years later.
Parker remained a frequent visitor across the United Kingdom after that, having eight matches in total in the UK and relocating to the Irish capital for fight camps alongside respected coach Andy Lee during this period.
Current Situation
Under the tutelage of Lee, the boxer bounced back from his 2022 loss against British heavyweight Joyce to secure multiple wins which put him as the top contender to face Oleksandr Usyk prior to he lost to Wardley.
Following Parker's sample showed an adverse finding during the Wardley bout, allegedly for cocaine, an investigation about the test outcome has been started.
- The boxer tested positive for a prohibited substance.
- The screening took place via the anti-doping agency the day of the bout.
- Joseph Parker could receive disciplinary action from competition.
- His representatives released an announcement acknowledging the adverse finding.
- An investigation has been ongoing regarding the case.
