Boxer Joseph Parker Faces Potential Disqualification Due to Failed Anti-Doping Test
Former world champion Parker returned an adverse finding during a anti-doping examination administered the very day he faced 11th-round loss to UK boxer Fabio Wardley.
The Bout Plus the Consequences
Wardley and the New Zealander participated in a pulsating bout held in London on 25 October to decide the next mandatory WBO contender against unified heavyweight titleholder Ukrainian champion Usyk.
Parker had positioned himself as the primary candidate to meet Oleksandr Usyk subsequent to stringing together a notable six consecutive victories, but risked his mandatory challenger status on the line in the UK and endured an 11th-round stoppage.
Positive Test Along with Implications
An ordinary examination given to the boxer via Vada the day he fought showed an adverse result which leaves the 36-year-old facing a challenge to clear his name.
His promotion team issued a statement stating: "The anti-doping body informed everyone involved about Parker returned an adverse finding subsequent to a doping test conducted on October 25th. During the ongoing inquiry, no further statements will be made at this time."
Career Background
The New Zealand boxer became heavyweight champion six years ago before he was defeated for his championship belt via unanimous decision versus Anthony Joshua at the Millennium Stadium two years later.
Parker has been a regular competitor across the United Kingdom after that, fighting eight times overall in Britain and transferring to the Irish capital for training camps under esteemed mentor Andy Lee over the past few years.
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Guided by Lee, the boxer overcame his defeat in 2022 against Joe Joyce to chalk up several successes positioning him at the front of the line to face the champion prior to he suffered defeat to the British fighter.
After Parker's sample showed an adverse finding on the day of the Wardley fight, reportedly for cocaine, an investigation regarding the results has been started.
- The boxer failed a drug test for a banned substance.
- The screening was conducted via the anti-doping agency on the fight day.
- Joseph Parker is confronting disciplinary action from competition.
- His representatives released a statement confirming the adverse finding.
- A formal inquiry has been ongoing regarding the case.
