New Zealand's Joseph Parker Could Receive Possible Disqualification Due to Failed Anti-Doping Test
Former world champion Parker returned an adverse finding in a anti-doping examination carried out the very day he faced 11th-round defeat against British heavyweight Ipswich-born Wardley.
The Fight Plus the Consequences
The British boxer along with Joseph Parker participated in a pulsating encounter held in London in late October to establish the next next in line for the WBO to reigning heavyweight king Oleksandr Usyk.
Joseph Parker had been the leading contender to challenge Oleksandr Usyk following putting together a notable six wins in a row, yet placed his contender position at stake during the bout and endured a stoppage in round eleven.
Positive Test Plus Implications
A standard screening given to Joseph Parker by Vada the day of the match returned positive and now leaves the veteran boxer with a battle to prove his innocence.
His promotion team published an announcement declaring: "The agency informed everyone involved about Parker had a positive result following an anti-doping test administered on the fight day. As the investigation continues, no additional comment are planned currently."
Professional History
Parker was crowned heavyweight champion in 2016 before he surrendered the WBO title through a points decision to Anthony Joshua in Cardiff in 2018.
Joseph Parker became a frequent visitor across the United Kingdom from that point, fighting eight times in total in Britain and relocating to Dublin for training camps with respected coach Andy Lee in recent years.
Recent Developments
Coached by Andy Lee, Parker bounced back from the 2022 setback to Joe Joyce to chalk up a string of victories positioning him front of the queue to meet Usyk before he lost against Wardley.
After Parker's sample showed an adverse finding during the Wardley bout, allegedly for cocaine, a probe about the test outcome has been started.
- Joseph Parker tested positive for an illegal substance.
- The test was conducted by Vada on October 25th.
- Parker now faces a potential ban from boxing.
- His representatives released a statement confirming the positive test.
- An investigation is now in progress into the matter.
