Boxer Joseph Parker Could Receive Potential Disqualification Following Failed Drugs Test
The New Zealand heavyweight returned an adverse finding in a doping test conducted the very day of his 11th-round stoppage to British heavyweight Fabio Wardley.
The Fight Along with Its Consequences
Wardley along with the New Zealander participated in an intense encounter held in London on 25 October to establish the identity of the mandatory WBO contender to undisputed world heavyweight champion Oleksandr Usyk.
Parker had been the primary candidate to meet the champion after compiling an impressive six-fight winning streak, but put his shot at the title in jeopardy in London and suffered an 11th-round defeat.
Failed Examination Along with Implications
A standard screening conducted on Joseph Parker through Vada the day of the match showed an adverse result which leaves the veteran boxer facing a challenge to clear his name.
His promotion team released an announcement declaring: "The anti-doping body notified everyone involved about Parker returned an adverse finding following a drug screening carried out on October 25th. During the ongoing inquiry, no more comments are forthcoming at this time."
Professional History
Joseph Parker became heavyweight champion in 2016 before he surrendered his WBO belt by unanimous decision to British star Joshua in Cardiff two years later.
Parker became a frequent visitor on British soil after that, having eight matches in total in the UK and moving to the Irish capital for fight camps with highly regarded trainer Andy Lee during this period.
Recent Developments
Guided by Lee, Joseph Parker recovered from his defeat in 2022 versus British heavyweight Joyce to secure several successes that placed him at the front of the line to meet the champion prior to he was defeated to Wardley.
Subsequent to Parker's sample showed an adverse finding on the day of the Wardley fight, allegedly for cocaine, an investigation into the findings has been started.
- Parker failed a drug test for a banned substance.
- The test took place through Vada on October 25th.
- Joseph Parker is confronting disciplinary action from competition.
- His representatives released an announcement confirming the failed examination.
- A review is now ongoing into the matter.
