New Zealand's Joseph Parker Could Receive Potential Disqualification Due to Failed Doping Test
Former world champion Parker returned an adverse finding in a anti-doping examination administered on the day he faced 11th-round stoppage versus English fighter Fabio Wardley.
The Fight Along with Its Consequences
Fabio Wardley along with Parker participated in an intense encounter staged in the UK capital in late October to determine the identity of the WBO mandatory challenger facing reigning heavyweight king Ukrainian champion Usyk.
Parker was previously the leading contender to challenge Usyk after putting together a notable six wins in a row, however risked his contender position on the line in London and suffered a stoppage in round eleven.
Adverse Finding Along with Potential Consequences
A routine test administered to Parker through Vada the day of the match showed an adverse result and leaves the 36-year-old with a battle to clear his name.
His promotion team published an announcement which read: "The anti-doping body informed all required parties about Parker tested positive subsequent to a drug screening carried out on October 25th. During the ongoing inquiry, no further statements are planned at this time."
Professional History
The New Zealand boxer earned the title of world champion in 2016 until he was defeated for his championship belt through a points decision to Anthony Joshua in Cardiff two years later.
Parker remained a regular competitor across the United Kingdom since then, fighting eight times overall in Britain and transferring to Dublin for fight camps under esteemed mentor Andy Lee during this period.
Recent Developments
Under the tutelage of Lee, the boxer bounced back from the 2022 setback against Joe Joyce to achieve a string of victories that placed him front of the queue to face Oleksandr Usyk prior to he lost to Wardley.
After Parker's sample showed an adverse finding on the day of the Wardley fight, reportedly for cocaine, an investigation into the findings is underway.
- The boxer failed a drug test for an illegal substance.
- The screening was administered through Vada on October 25th.
- The fighter could receive a possible suspension from boxing.
- His representatives has issued a comment confirming the adverse finding.
- A review has been underway into the matter.
