New Zealand's Joseph Parker Faces Possible Disqualification After Failed Drugs Test
Former world champion Parker produced a positive sample in a doping test carried out the same day he fought in 11th-round stoppage to English fighter Fabio Wardley.
The Match and Its Consequences
Fabio Wardley together with the New Zealander participated in a thrilling encounter staged in the UK capital on 25 October to establish the identity of the mandatory WBO contender to unified heavyweight titleholder Oleksandr Usyk.
The fighter had positioned himself as the primary candidate to face Oleksandr Usyk after compiling a notable six consecutive victories, however put his shot at the title on the line in London and endured a stoppage in round eleven.
Adverse Finding and Potential Consequences
An ordinary examination administered to Parker through the Voluntary Anti-Doping Agency the day of the match came back positive and leaves the veteran boxer facing a challenge to prove his innocence.
The boxer's representatives released a statement which read: "The agency informed all required parties that Joseph Parker had a positive result following an anti-doping test carried out on the fight day. During the ongoing inquiry, no further statements are forthcoming at this time."
Boxing Journey
Joseph Parker was crowned titleholder in 2016 until he surrendered his championship belt by unanimous decision against Anthony Joshua in Cardiff in 2018.
Parker has been a frequent visitor in the UK since then, having eight matches overall in the UK and moving to Dublin for preparation with highly regarded trainer former champion Lee during this period.
Recent Developments
Guided by Lee, Joseph Parker recovered from his defeat in 2022 against Joe Joyce to secure several successes which put him front of the queue to challenge the champion before he suffered defeat to Wardley.
Following the boxer produced a failed test on the day of the Wardley fight, reportedly involving cocaine, a probe regarding the results has commenced.
- The boxer returned an adverse finding for a prohibited substance.
- The screening was conducted via the anti-doping agency on the fight day.
- Parker is confronting disciplinary action from boxing.
- Queensberry published a comment addressing the adverse finding.
- An investigation is now ongoing into the matter.
