New Zealand's Joseph Parker Confronts Potential Disqualification Following Failed Doping Test
Former world champion Parker tested positive as part of a anti-doping examination conducted the same day he faced 11th-round loss versus UK boxer Fabio Wardley.
The Fight and Its Stakes
Wardley and Parker participated in a thrilling contest in London in late October to determine the identity of the next in line for the WBO facing unified heavyweight titleholder Oleksandr Usyk.
The fighter had been the leading contender to meet Oleksandr Usyk following compiling a remarkable six wins in a row, but risked his contender position on the line in London and experienced an 11th-round defeat.
Positive Test and Implications
An ordinary examination conducted on the boxer through the anti-doping organization the day he fought came back positive and leaves the 36-year-old with a battle to demonstrate his cleanliness.
Parker's promotional company issued a statement declaring: "Vada notified all relevant parties about Parker tested positive after a doping test carried out on the 25th October. While the matter is investigated, no further statements are forthcoming currently."
Career Background
The New Zealand boxer was crowned world champion in 2016 before he surrendered the WBO title through a points decision versus Anthony Joshua in Cardiff two years later.
Joseph Parker has been a frequent visitor in the UK from that point, having eight matches in total on UK territory and moving to Dublin for training camps under highly regarded trainer Andy Lee in recent years.
Latest Events
Coached by Andy Lee, Joseph Parker overcame his 2022 loss against Joe Joyce to achieve several successes that placed him front of the queue to face Oleksandr Usyk before he suffered defeat to the British fighter.
Following Parker returned a failed test on the day of the Wardley fight, reportedly involving cocaine, a probe regarding the results is underway.
- Parker returned an adverse finding for an illegal substance.
- The screening was administered via the anti-doping agency on the fight day.
- Joseph Parker could receive a possible suspension from boxing.
- His promotional team released a comment confirming the failed examination.
- An investigation is now in progress into the matter.
