New Zealand's Joseph Parker Confronts Possible Disqualification Following Failed Doping Test
Joseph Parker produced a positive sample during a anti-doping examination administered the very day of his 11th-round stoppage against UK boxer Fabio Wardley.
The Bout Along with Its Stakes
Fabio Wardley together with the New Zealander engaged in a pulsating contest in London on 25 October to establish the identity of the WBO mandatory challenger against unified heavyweight titleholder Ukrainian champion Usyk.
Joseph Parker had been next in line to challenge the champion after stringing together a notable six consecutive victories, however placed his shot at the title on the line in London and experienced an 11th-round defeat.
Adverse Finding Plus Implications
A routine test administered to the boxer through the Voluntary Anti-Doping Agency on the day of the bout returned positive which leaves the veteran boxer in a difficult position to prove his innocence.
His promotion team issued a communique declaring: "The agency informed everyone involved that Joseph Parker had a positive result following a drug screening administered on the fight day. As the investigation continues, no more comments are planned at this time."
Boxing Journey
The New Zealand boxer earned the title of world champion back in 2016 prior to he surrendered his championship belt through a points decision versus British star Joshua in Cardiff two years later.
Joseph Parker remained a frequent visitor across the United Kingdom since then, fighting eight times in total in the UK and moving to the Irish capital for preparation under highly regarded trainer Andy Lee over the past few years.
Current Situation
Coached by Andy Lee, the boxer overcame his 2022 loss versus British heavyweight Joyce to achieve several successes positioning him at the front of the line to face Usyk prior to he was defeated to Wardley.
After the boxer produced a failed test when he fought Wardley, reportedly involving cocaine, a probe about the test outcome has been started.
- Joseph Parker returned an adverse finding for an illegal substance.
- The screening took place by Vada on October 25th.
- Joseph Parker could receive a possible suspension from the sport.
- Queensberry released a comment acknowledging the failed examination.
- An investigation has been in progress into the matter.
