Joseph Parker Could Receive Possible Disqualification After Positive Doping Test
Former world champion Parker produced a positive sample as part of a doping test conducted the very day he fought in 11th-round loss against English fighter Fabio Wardley.
The Fight and Its Consequences
Wardley and Parker engaged in a pulsating bout held in London last October to determine who would become WBO mandatory challenger to reigning heavyweight king Ukrainian champion Usyk.
Parker was previously the leading contender to meet the champion after compiling an impressive six wins in a row, however placed his shot at the title at stake in London and experienced an 11th-round stoppage.
Positive Test and Potential Consequences
A routine test given to Joseph Parker via the anti-doping organization the day of the match showed an adverse result and now leaves the 36-year-old in a difficult position to prove his innocence.
The boxer's representatives released a statement stating: "Vada notified all relevant parties that Joseph Parker had a positive result after a doping test conducted on the fight day. As the investigation continues, no further statements are planned for now."
Career Background
Joseph Parker was crowned titleholder back in 2016 prior to he lost the WBO title via unanimous decision to Anthony Joshua in Wales in 2018.
Joseph Parker remained an active participant on British soil after that, competing in eight bouts in total in the UK and moving to the Irish capital for fight camps under esteemed mentor former champion Lee over the past few years.
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Under the tutelage of Lee, Parker overcame the 2022 setback against British heavyweight Joyce to secure several successes positioning him at the front of the line to face Usyk until he suffered defeat to the British fighter.
Subsequent to Parker returned an adverse finding on the day of the Wardley fight, reportedly for cocaine, a probe into the findings has been started.
- The boxer tested positive for a prohibited substance.
- The screening was administered through Vada the day of the bout.
- Joseph Parker is confronting disciplinary action from the sport.
- Queensberry released a comment acknowledging the failed examination.
- A formal inquiry is now underway into the matter.
