Joseph Parker Confronts Possible Disqualification After Positive Drugs Test
Former world champion Parker returned an adverse finding as part of a drugs test conducted the very day he faced 11th-round loss versus English fighter Fabio Wardley.
The Bout Plus the Consequences
Fabio Wardley and Joseph Parker were part of a pulsating bout held in London in late October to decide who would become next in line for the WBO against reigning heavyweight king Ukrainian champion Usyk.
The fighter had positioned himself as next in line to meet Usyk subsequent to putting together a remarkable six-fight winning streak, however put his shot at the title on the line in the UK and endured an 11th-round stoppage.
Failed Examination and Potential Consequences
A routine test conducted on Joseph Parker through the anti-doping organization the day he fought came back positive and now leaves the 36-year-old with a battle to demonstrate his cleanliness.
His promotion team released a communique declaring: "The anti-doping body informed all relevant parties about Parker returned an adverse finding subsequent to a doping test carried out on the fight day. While the matter is investigated, no additional comment will be made at this time."
Career Background
Parker was crowned heavyweight champion in 2016 until he lost his championship belt via unanimous decision against Anthony Joshua at the Millennium Stadium two years later.
Parker remained an active participant on British soil after that, fighting eight times in total in the UK and transferring to Dublin for training camps with highly regarded trainer Andy Lee in recent years.
Recent Developments
Under the tutelage of Lee, Joseph Parker bounced back from the 2022 setback against British heavyweight Joyce to achieve a string of victories that placed him as the top contender to challenge the champion prior to he was defeated to the British fighter.
Following the boxer produced an adverse finding when he fought Wardley, allegedly for cocaine, an investigation into the findings is underway.
- Joseph Parker returned an adverse finding for a banned substance.
- The screening took place by Vada the day of the bout.
- Joseph Parker could receive a possible suspension from boxing.
- Queensberry published a comment acknowledging the failed examination.
- An investigation has been in progress into the matter.
