Boxer Joseph Parker Faces Imminent Disqualification Due to Failed Doping Test
The New Zealand heavyweight produced a positive sample in a drugs test conducted on the day he faced 11th-round defeat to English fighter Ipswich-born Wardley.
The Match Along with Its Stakes
Fabio Wardley together with the New Zealander participated in a thrilling encounter held in London on 25 October to establish who would become next in line for the WBO to undisputed world heavyweight champion Oleksandr Usyk.
The fighter was previously the primary candidate to face Oleksandr Usyk following compiling a notable six-fight winning streak, but put his mandatory challenger status at stake during the bout and suffered a stoppage in round eleven.
Positive Test Along with Implications
A routine test administered to the boxer by the Voluntary Anti-Doping Agency the day he fought came back positive and now leaves Parker with a battle to prove his innocence.
Parker's promotional company released a statement which read: "The agency notified all relevant parties about Parker tested positive after a doping test carried out on October 25th. During the ongoing inquiry, no more comments are forthcoming for now."
Boxing Journey
Joseph Parker became titleholder in 2016 before he lost his WBO belt by unanimous decision versus Anthony Joshua in Wales 24 months later.
The fighter became an active participant in the UK from that point, having eight matches overall in the UK and moving to Ireland for fight camps under highly regarded trainer Andy Lee during this period.
Current Situation
Guided by Lee, Joseph Parker overcame his defeat in 2022 versus British heavyweight Joyce to achieve a string of victories which put him front of the queue to face the champion before he lost to Wardley.
After the boxer produced a positive test when he fought Wardley, reportedly involving cocaine, an investigation regarding the results has been started.
- Parker failed a drug test for a banned substance.
- The screening was conducted via the anti-doping agency on October 25th.
- Parker now faces disciplinary action from competition.
- His promotional team published a comment acknowledging the failed examination.
- A review is now in progress about the situation.
