New Zealand's Joseph Parker Could Receive Imminent Disqualification Following Positive Anti-Doping Test
Former world champion Parker produced a positive sample in a anti-doping examination carried out on the day he fought in 11th-round defeat against English fighter Fabio Wardley.
The Match and Its Implications
Wardley and Parker were part of a thrilling contest staged in the UK capital on 25 October to establish the next mandatory WBO contender against unified heavyweight titleholder Oleksandr Usyk.
Parker had positioned himself as next in line to challenge Oleksandr Usyk after stringing together a remarkable six-fight winning streak, however placed his contender position at stake in London and endured an 11th-round stoppage.
Adverse Finding and Possible Outcomes
An ordinary examination given to the boxer via the Voluntary Anti-Doping Agency the day of the match showed an adverse result which leaves the veteran boxer in a difficult position to demonstrate his cleanliness.
Parker's promotional company released an announcement which read: "The anti-doping body informed all relevant parties that Joseph Parker returned an adverse finding after an anti-doping test administered on the 25th October. During the ongoing inquiry, no more comments are planned currently."
Professional History
Parker earned the title of world champion six years ago prior to he surrendered his WBO belt by unanimous decision to British star Joshua at the Millennium Stadium in 2018.
The fighter has been a regular competitor across the United Kingdom from that point, fighting eight times overall in Britain and relocating to Dublin for preparation alongside esteemed mentor Andy Lee over the past few years.
Recent Developments
Coached by Andy Lee, the boxer bounced back from his 2022 loss against Joe Joyce to secure several successes positioning him at the front of the line to face Usyk before he was defeated against Wardley.
Following Parker's sample showed a failed test on the day of the Wardley fight, reportedly for cocaine, a probe regarding the results has commenced.
- The boxer returned an adverse finding for a banned substance.
- The examination was conducted by Vada on October 25th.
- Parker could receive a possible suspension from competition.
- Queensberry released an announcement confirming the failed examination.
- A review is currently ongoing into the matter.
