Boxer Joseph Parker Faces Imminent Disqualification After Failed Doping Test
The New Zealand heavyweight produced a positive sample as part of a doping test conducted on the day of his 11th-round loss to British heavyweight Fabio Wardley.
The Fight Plus the Consequences
The British boxer and Parker engaged in a thrilling bout staged in the UK capital last October to determine the identity of the WBO mandatory challenger against unified heavyweight titleholder Ukrainian champion Usyk.
Joseph Parker had been the primary candidate to challenge the champion after putting together a notable six wins in a row, however put his shot at the title in jeopardy during the bout and endured a stoppage in round eleven.
Positive Test Along with Implications
A standard screening given to the boxer by the Voluntary Anti-Doping Agency the day of the match came back positive which leaves the 36-year-old facing a challenge to demonstrate his cleanliness.
His promotion team issued a communique declaring: "The agency notified all relevant parties that Joseph Parker had a positive result subsequent to an anti-doping test carried out on the fight day. During the ongoing inquiry, no more comments are planned for now."
Career Background
Joseph Parker was crowned heavyweight champion six years ago prior to he surrendered his WBO belt via unanimous decision versus Anthony Joshua in Cardiff in 2018.
Parker has been an active participant across the United Kingdom since then, competing in eight bouts overall in Britain and transferring to the Irish capital for fight camps under esteemed mentor Andy Lee during this period.
Latest Events
Under the tutelage of Lee, Joseph Parker overcame his defeat in 2022 to Joe Joyce to achieve several successes positioning him at the front of the line to challenge Usyk prior to he suffered defeat to Wardley.
After Parker returned an adverse finding during the Wardley bout, reportedly for cocaine, an inquiry regarding the results has commenced.
- The boxer returned an adverse finding for an illegal substance.
- The test was administered through Vada on October 25th.
- The fighter is confronting a possible suspension from the sport.
- Queensberry released an announcement acknowledging the failed examination.
- A formal inquiry is currently in progress into the matter.
