Boxer Joseph Parker Faces Potential Disqualification Following Positive Drugs Test
Joseph Parker returned an adverse finding in a doping test carried out the very day he fought in 11th-round stoppage to UK boxer Fabio Wardley.
The Bout Along with Its Consequences
The British boxer along with Parker participated in a pulsating encounter staged in the UK capital in late October to decide the identity of the mandatory WBO contender against reigning heavyweight king Oleksandr Usyk.
The fighter had positioned himself as the leading contender to face the champion following compiling an impressive six wins in a row, but put his shot at the title in jeopardy during the bout and suffered a stoppage in round eleven.
Adverse Finding Plus Potential Consequences
A standard screening given to Joseph Parker via the anti-doping organization on the day of the bout came back positive and now leaves the veteran boxer with a battle to demonstrate his cleanliness.
His promotion team published a communique stating: "The anti-doping body alerted everyone involved regarding Joseph Parker tested positive after an anti-doping test administered on the fight day. As the investigation continues, no more comments are forthcoming at this time."
Career Background
Joseph Parker was crowned heavyweight champion in 2016 until he was defeated for the WBO title by unanimous decision against British star Joshua at the Millennium Stadium in 2018.
Parker remained a frequent visitor in the UK after that, having eight matches in total in Britain and relocating to Dublin for training camps under esteemed mentor Andy Lee in recent years.
Current Situation
Guided by Lee, Parker bounced back from his 2022 loss against British heavyweight Joyce to achieve a string of victories that placed him as the top contender to meet Usyk until he lost to Wardley.
Following Parker's sample showed an adverse finding on the day of the Wardley fight, reportedly for cocaine, a probe into the findings is underway.
- Parker failed a drug test for a banned substance.
- The screening took place through Vada the day of the bout.
- Joseph Parker could receive a potential ban from competition.
- His representatives has issued a comment confirming the positive test.
- A review is now underway into the matter.
