Boxer Joseph Parker Faces Possible Disqualification After Positive Doping Test
The New Zealand heavyweight tested positive in a drugs test carried out on the day he fought in 11th-round loss to British heavyweight Ipswich-born Wardley.
The Fight Plus the Consequences
Wardley together with Joseph Parker engaged in a thrilling contest in London last October to establish the identity of the mandatory WBO contender to undisputed world heavyweight champion Oleksandr Usyk.
The fighter had been the primary candidate to face the champion subsequent to compiling a remarkable six wins in a row, however risked his mandatory challenger status on the line during the bout and endured an 11th-round stoppage.
Failed Examination Plus Potential Consequences
An ordinary examination administered to Parker by Vada the day of the match returned positive and leaves the 36-year-old in a difficult position to demonstrate his cleanliness.
The boxer's representatives issued an announcement which read: "Vada informed all required parties that Joseph Parker had a positive result following an anti-doping test administered on October 25th. While the matter is investigated, no more comments are forthcoming currently."
Professional History
The New Zealand boxer was crowned heavyweight champion in 2016 prior to he was defeated for his championship belt by unanimous decision versus Anthony Joshua in Cardiff two years later.
Parker remained a frequent visitor in the UK after that, competing in eight bouts altogether in Britain and relocating to Ireland for fight camps alongside highly regarded trainer Andy Lee in recent years.
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Under the tutelage of Lee, the boxer overcame his 2022 loss to Joe Joyce to chalk up multiple wins that placed him at the front of the line to challenge the champion prior to he lost to Wardley.
Subsequent to Parker's sample showed an adverse finding when he fought Wardley, reportedly involving cocaine, a probe into the findings has been started.
- The boxer returned an adverse finding for a banned substance.
- The examination was conducted via the anti-doping agency on October 25th.
- Joseph Parker is confronting a potential ban from boxing.
- Queensberry has issued a comment acknowledging the positive test.
- A formal inquiry is now underway into the matter.
