New Zealand's Joseph Parker Faces Imminent Disqualification Following Positive Drugs Test
Former world champion Parker returned an adverse finding as part of a anti-doping examination carried out the same day of his 11th-round stoppage against English fighter Ipswich-born Wardley.
The Bout and Its Stakes
Wardley together with Joseph Parker engaged in an intense encounter held in London last October to establish who would become WBO mandatory challenger against undisputed world heavyweight champion Oleksandr Usyk.
Joseph Parker had been the leading contender to face the champion following putting together an impressive six consecutive victories, however placed his shot at the title in jeopardy in London and experienced an 11th-round defeat.
Adverse Finding Along with Possible Outcomes
An ordinary examination given to Joseph Parker through the anti-doping organization the day of the match showed an adverse result and leaves the 36-year-old with a battle to prove his innocence.
His promotion team issued a statement declaring: "The anti-doping body alerted all relevant parties about Parker tested positive subsequent to an anti-doping test carried out on the fight day. While the matter is investigated, no more comments are forthcoming at this time."
Professional History
Joseph Parker became world champion six years ago before he surrendered his WBO belt by unanimous decision against Anthony Joshua in Wales two years later.
The fighter has been a frequent visitor in the UK since then, competing in eight bouts in total in Britain and relocating to Ireland for fight camps alongside highly regarded trainer Andy Lee in recent years.
Current Situation
Guided by Lee, Parker bounced back from his defeat in 2022 against Joe Joyce to chalk up multiple wins positioning him at the front of the line to meet the champion until he lost to Wardley.
After the boxer produced an adverse finding during the Wardley bout, reportedly for cocaine, a probe about the test outcome has been started.
- Parker tested positive for a banned substance.
- The test was conducted by Vada the day of the bout.
- The fighter could receive a potential ban from competition.
- His representatives released a comment acknowledging the positive test.
- An investigation has been in progress regarding the case.
