Boxer Joseph Parker Faces Potential Disqualification Due to Failed Doping Test
Former world champion Parker tested positive in a doping test conducted the very day he faced 11th-round loss to UK boxer Fabio Wardley.
The Fight Plus the Implications
Wardley and the New Zealander were part of a pulsating encounter held in London last October to establish the identity of the WBO mandatory challenger facing undisputed world heavyweight champion Ukrainian champion Usyk.
The fighter was previously next in line to meet Oleksandr Usyk after stringing together a notable six-fight winning streak, however put his mandatory challenger status at stake during the bout and endured an 11th-round stoppage.
Failed Examination and Implications
An ordinary examination administered to Parker through Vada the day of the match came back positive and leaves Parker in a difficult position to prove his innocence.
The boxer's representatives issued a communique which read: "Vada informed all relevant parties regarding Joseph Parker tested positive subsequent to a doping test administered on the fight day. While the matter is investigated, no additional comment are planned currently."
Boxing Journey
Parker was crowned titleholder back in 2016 before he was defeated for his championship belt through a points decision versus Anthony Joshua in Cardiff two years later.
Joseph Parker remained a frequent visitor across the United Kingdom from that point, having eight matches altogether in Britain and relocating to Dublin for training camps with highly regarded trainer Andy Lee over the past few years.
Recent Developments
Guided by Lee, Joseph Parker bounced back from his 2022 loss against Joe Joyce to secure a string of victories which put him at the front of the line to challenge Oleksandr Usyk until he suffered defeat against Wardley.
Following Parker returned a positive test on the day of the Wardley fight, allegedly for cocaine, an investigation regarding the results has been started.
- Joseph Parker failed a drug test for an illegal substance.
- The examination was administered via the anti-doping agency the day of the bout.
- The fighter now faces a possible suspension from the sport.
- Queensberry has issued a comment addressing the failed examination.
- A formal inquiry is currently underway regarding the case.
