Boxer Joseph Parker Could Receive Possible Disqualification After Positive Drugs Test
Former world champion Parker returned an adverse finding as part of a doping test carried out the very day he faced 11th-round defeat versus British heavyweight Fabio Wardley.
The Match Along with Its Implications
The British boxer along with the New Zealander were part of a pulsating contest in London on 25 October to determine the identity of the next in line for the WBO against undisputed world heavyweight champion Oleksandr Usyk.
Joseph Parker had positioned himself as the leading contender to meet the champion following stringing together a notable six consecutive victories, however risked his contender position in jeopardy during the bout and experienced a stoppage in round eleven.
Failed Examination and Possible Outcomes
A routine test conducted on the boxer by Vada the day he fought came back positive which leaves Parker with a battle to prove his innocence.
Parker's promotional company released a statement which read: "The agency notified all required parties about Parker tested positive following a doping test conducted on the 25th October. While the matter is investigated, no more comments will be made currently."
Boxing Journey
Parker earned the title of world champion six years ago prior to he surrendered his WBO belt by unanimous decision versus Anthony Joshua in Wales in 2018.
Parker remained an active participant on British soil after that, having eight matches in total in Britain and moving to the Irish capital for fight camps with highly regarded trainer Andy Lee during this period.
Current Situation
Guided by Lee, the boxer recovered from the 2022 setback to Joe Joyce to achieve a string of victories positioning him front of the queue to face the champion prior to he lost against Wardley.
Following Parker's sample showed an adverse finding when he fought Wardley, reportedly involving cocaine, a probe regarding the results has commenced.
- Joseph Parker failed a drug test for a prohibited substance.
- The screening was administered via the anti-doping agency on October 25th.
- Parker is confronting a possible suspension from the sport.
- His promotional team published a comment acknowledging the positive test.
- A formal inquiry has been ongoing regarding the case.
