Boxer Joseph Parker Faces Possible Disqualification Due to Positive Anti-Doping Test
The New Zealand heavyweight returned an adverse finding in a anti-doping examination conducted the same day he fought in 11th-round defeat versus British heavyweight Fabio Wardley.
The Fight Plus the Stakes
Wardley along with the New Zealander were part of a pulsating contest held in London last October to decide the next WBO mandatory challenger to undisputed world heavyweight champion Oleksandr Usyk.
Parker had positioned himself as next in line to face the champion following putting together a notable six consecutive victories, yet placed his contender position at stake during the bout and suffered an 11th-round stoppage.
Positive Test and Potential Consequences
A routine test administered to the boxer by the anti-doping organization the day of the match showed an adverse result and now leaves the 36-year-old facing a challenge to prove his innocence.
His promotion team issued a communique which read: "Vada notified all required parties about Parker tested positive following a drug screening conducted on the 25th October. During the ongoing inquiry, no further statements will be made for now."
Professional History
Parker earned the title of titleholder six years ago until he lost the WBO title by unanimous decision versus Anthony Joshua in Wales 24 months later.
Parker became a regular competitor across the United Kingdom after that, having eight matches in total on UK territory and relocating to Ireland for fight camps under highly regarded trainer Andy Lee in recent years.
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Under the tutelage of Lee, the boxer bounced back from the 2022 setback to Joe Joyce to chalk up a string of victories positioning him as the top contender to challenge Usyk before he suffered defeat to Wardley.
After the boxer produced a positive test when he fought Wardley, reportedly involving cocaine, a probe about the test outcome is underway.
- The boxer tested positive for a prohibited substance.
- The screening took place through Vada on the fight day.
- Joseph Parker now faces a potential ban from boxing.
- His promotional team published a comment acknowledging the failed examination.
- A formal inquiry has been in progress into the matter.
