Boxer Joseph Parker Could Receive Imminent Disqualification Due to Positive Doping Test
The New Zealand heavyweight produced a positive sample during a doping test conducted the very day he fought in 11th-round stoppage versus British heavyweight Ipswich-born Wardley.
The Match Plus the Stakes
Fabio Wardley together with Parker participated in an intense bout held in London last October to decide who would become WBO mandatory challenger facing reigning heavyweight king Oleksandr Usyk.
Parker was previously next in line to challenge Oleksandr Usyk subsequent to stringing together an impressive six-fight winning streak, however placed his contender position at stake in the UK and endured an 11th-round defeat.
Adverse Finding Plus Potential Consequences
An ordinary examination given to the boxer by the Voluntary Anti-Doping Agency on the day of the bout returned positive and now leaves the veteran boxer in a difficult position to prove his innocence.
His promotion team released a communique declaring: "The anti-doping body informed all required parties about Parker tested positive subsequent to a drug screening conducted on the 25th October. As the investigation continues, no additional comment are forthcoming currently."
Professional History
Parker was crowned heavyweight champion back in 2016 until he lost his championship belt through a points decision versus Anthony Joshua in Cardiff two years later.
The fighter remained a regular competitor on British soil after that, fighting eight times overall on UK territory and transferring to Dublin for training camps with highly regarded trainer former champion Lee during this period.
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Under the tutelage of Lee, the boxer bounced back from the 2022 setback versus Joe Joyce to chalk up several successes which put him as the top contender to meet the champion until he suffered defeat to Wardley.
Following Parker's sample showed an adverse finding on the day of the Wardley fight, reportedly involving cocaine, an inquiry into the findings has commenced.
- Parker failed a drug test for a banned substance.
- The examination took place through Vada the day of the bout.
- Joseph Parker could receive disciplinary action from the sport.
- His promotional team has issued an announcement confirming the failed examination.
- A review is currently in progress about the situation.
