Joseph Parker Faces Imminent Disqualification After Positive Drugs Test
The New Zealand heavyweight tested positive in a doping test conducted the very day of his 11th-round stoppage to English fighter Fabio Wardley.
The Bout Plus the Consequences
Wardley along with Joseph Parker were part of a pulsating encounter held in London on 25 October to determine who would become next in line for the WBO against reigning heavyweight king Oleksandr Usyk.
The fighter had been next in line to meet Oleksandr Usyk following compiling a notable six consecutive victories, yet put his contender position at stake in the UK and experienced an 11th-round stoppage.
Adverse Finding Plus Potential Consequences
A standard screening given to the boxer through the Voluntary Anti-Doping Agency on the day of the bout showed an adverse result and leaves the 36-year-old in a difficult position to prove his innocence.
The boxer's representatives issued a statement which read: "The anti-doping body informed all relevant parties about Parker returned an adverse finding following a doping test conducted on the 25th October. During the ongoing inquiry, no more comments are forthcoming currently."
Career Background
The New Zealand boxer became heavyweight champion in 2016 prior to he surrendered his championship belt via unanimous decision against Anthony Joshua at the Millennium Stadium 24 months later.
The fighter has been an active participant in the UK after that, fighting eight times altogether in the UK and transferring to Ireland for training camps with esteemed mentor Andy Lee in recent years.
Recent Developments
Guided by Lee, Parker recovered from his defeat in 2022 against Joe Joyce to secure several successes positioning him front of the queue to challenge the champion before he suffered defeat to the British fighter.
Subsequent to Parker returned an adverse finding when he fought Wardley, allegedly for cocaine, a probe into the findings has been started.
- Parker tested positive for a banned substance.
- The examination was administered via the anti-doping agency the day of the bout.
- Parker could receive disciplinary action from competition.
- His promotional team released an announcement confirming the adverse finding.
- A review is now underway into the matter.
