New Zealand's Joseph Parker Confronts Imminent Disqualification After Positive Drugs Test
The New Zealand heavyweight produced a positive sample as part of a doping test carried out the same day he faced 11th-round stoppage to British heavyweight Fabio Wardley.
The Bout Along with Its Consequences
Wardley together with Parker engaged in a thrilling contest staged in the UK capital on 25 October to establish who would become WBO mandatory challenger facing unified heavyweight titleholder Ukrainian champion Usyk.
Joseph Parker had been the primary candidate to meet the champion following putting together a remarkable six wins in a row, however placed his mandatory challenger status in jeopardy during the bout and experienced a stoppage in round eleven.
Adverse Finding Along with Possible Outcomes
A routine test given to Parker via the anti-doping organization the day he fought returned positive and leaves the veteran boxer with a battle to prove his innocence.
His promotion team issued a communique declaring: "The agency alerted all relevant parties about Parker had a positive result following a doping test conducted on the 25th October. During the ongoing inquiry, no additional comment will be made for now."
Boxing Journey
Parker became heavyweight champion in 2016 before he surrendered the WBO title through a points decision versus Anthony Joshua in Cardiff two years later.
Parker remained an active participant in the UK after that, competing in eight bouts in total in Britain and moving to Ireland for training camps under esteemed mentor Andy Lee over the past few years.
Recent Developments
Guided by Lee, the boxer recovered from his 2022 loss against Joe Joyce to chalk up a string of victories which put him front of the queue to challenge the champion until he lost against Wardley.
Subsequent to Parker's sample showed a positive test during the Wardley bout, allegedly for cocaine, an inquiry into the findings is underway.
- The boxer failed a drug test for a banned substance.
- The examination was administered by Vada on the fight day.
- The fighter now faces a potential ban from the sport.
- His representatives has issued a statement confirming the adverse finding.
- A formal inquiry has been underway regarding the case.