New Zealand's Joseph Parker Faces Possible Disqualification After Failed Doping Test
Joseph Parker produced a positive sample during a doping test carried out on the day he fought in 11th-round defeat versus UK boxer Fabio Wardley.
The Match Plus the Stakes
The British boxer along with Joseph Parker participated in an intense encounter staged in the UK capital on 25 October to determine the identity of the WBO mandatory challenger facing reigning heavyweight king Oleksandr Usyk.
Parker had positioned himself as the leading contender to challenge Usyk after stringing together a remarkable six-fight winning streak, yet risked his contender position on the line in the UK and suffered an 11th-round defeat.
Positive Test and Possible Outcomes
A routine test administered to Parker via the anti-doping organization the day he fought returned positive which leaves the 36-year-old facing a challenge to demonstrate his cleanliness.
The boxer's representatives published a communique which read: "The agency informed everyone involved that Joseph Parker returned an adverse finding following an anti-doping test administered on the 25th October. As the investigation continues, no additional comment are planned for now."
Boxing Journey
Parker earned the title of titleholder in 2016 until he was defeated for his WBO belt by unanimous decision against Anthony Joshua at the Millennium Stadium two years later.
Joseph Parker has been a regular competitor in the UK since then, fighting eight times altogether in the UK and moving to Dublin for training camps with esteemed mentor Andy Lee during this period.
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Under the tutelage of Lee, Joseph Parker bounced back from his defeat in 2022 against British heavyweight Joyce to achieve a string of victories that placed him front of the queue to challenge Usyk before he lost to Wardley.
After Parker's sample showed a failed test on the day of the Wardley fight, allegedly for cocaine, a probe into the findings has commenced.
- Parker failed a drug test for a prohibited substance.
- The test was conducted via the anti-doping agency on October 25th.
- The fighter now faces a possible suspension from competition.
- His promotional team has issued a statement addressing the failed examination.
- A formal inquiry is currently underway regarding the case.
