New Zealand's Joseph Parker Faces Possible Disqualification Due to Positive Drugs Test
The New Zealand heavyweight produced a positive sample during a anti-doping examination carried out the same day of his 11th-round defeat versus English fighter Fabio Wardley.
The Match and Its Stakes
The British boxer and Parker engaged in a thrilling contest held in London last October to establish who would become mandatory WBO contender facing undisputed world heavyweight champion Oleksandr Usyk.
Joseph Parker had been next in line to meet the champion subsequent to stringing together an impressive six wins in a row, but placed his mandatory challenger status in jeopardy in London and endured a stoppage in round eleven.
Adverse Finding Plus Possible Outcomes
A routine test given to the boxer through the anti-doping organization on the day of the bout returned positive and leaves the 36-year-old facing a challenge to prove his innocence.
Parker's promotional company issued an announcement stating: "The anti-doping body alerted all relevant parties about Parker had a positive result following an anti-doping test administered on the fight day. During the ongoing inquiry, no additional comment will be made currently."
Career Background
Joseph Parker became heavyweight champion six years ago until he surrendered the WBO title through a points decision against Anthony Joshua in Cardiff two years later.
Joseph Parker became a regular competitor in the UK after that, competing in eight bouts overall on UK territory and transferring to the Irish capital for preparation under esteemed mentor former champion Lee over the past few years.
Latest Events
Guided by Lee, Joseph Parker recovered from his 2022 loss versus British heavyweight Joyce to chalk up multiple wins positioning him at the front of the line to meet Oleksandr Usyk until he suffered defeat to the British fighter.
Following the boxer produced a positive test on the day of the Wardley fight, reportedly for cocaine, an inquiry about the test outcome has commenced.
- Joseph Parker returned an adverse finding for a prohibited substance.
- The screening was conducted by Vada on the fight day.
- The fighter could receive a potential ban from competition.
- Queensberry released a comment acknowledging the adverse finding.
- An investigation is now underway regarding the case.
