Joseph Parker Faces Possible Disqualification After Positive Drugs Test
Joseph Parker returned an adverse finding in a drugs test conducted the very day he faced 11th-round defeat against UK boxer Fabio Wardley.
The Fight Plus the Stakes
The British boxer together with the New Zealander were part of a pulsating contest in London last October to determine who would become mandatory WBO contender against unified heavyweight titleholder Ukrainian champion Usyk.
Parker had positioned himself as next in line to meet Oleksandr Usyk after putting together a remarkable six consecutive victories, however put his shot at the title on the line in the UK and suffered a stoppage in round eleven.
Positive Test Along with Implications
A routine test conducted on Joseph Parker via the anti-doping organization the day of the match returned positive and leaves the 36-year-old facing a challenge to prove his innocence.
His promotion team issued an announcement declaring: "The anti-doping body informed all required parties about Parker had a positive result after a doping test carried out on the fight day. As the investigation continues, no additional comment will be made at this time."
Professional History
Parker was crowned world champion six years ago until he surrendered his WBO belt by unanimous decision against Anthony Joshua in Cardiff 24 months later.
Parker became an active participant on British soil after that, fighting eight times overall in Britain and moving to Ireland for fight camps with highly regarded trainer Andy Lee over the past few years.
Recent Developments
Guided by Lee, the boxer overcame his 2022 loss to Joe Joyce to achieve several successes positioning him front of the queue to face Oleksandr Usyk before he lost to the British fighter.
After the boxer produced an adverse finding on the day of the Wardley fight, allegedly for cocaine, an inquiry about the test outcome has been started.
- Joseph Parker returned an adverse finding for a prohibited substance.
- The examination took place through Vada on the fight day.
- Parker could receive a potential ban from competition.
- Queensberry released an announcement addressing the failed examination.
- A formal inquiry is now in progress into the matter.
