Joseph Parker Faces Potential Disqualification After Failed Drugs Test
The New Zealand heavyweight produced a positive sample as part of a drugs test administered the very day he faced 11th-round loss versus British heavyweight Fabio Wardley.
The Fight Plus the Stakes
Fabio Wardley together with Parker were part of a pulsating contest in London on 25 October to determine the next WBO mandatory challenger to unified heavyweight titleholder Oleksandr Usyk.
Parker had been the leading contender to face the champion after putting together a remarkable six consecutive victories, yet risked his mandatory challenger status on the line during the bout and endured an 11th-round stoppage.
Failed Examination and Possible Outcomes
An ordinary examination conducted on the boxer via Vada the day of the match returned positive and now leaves the veteran boxer with a battle to demonstrate his cleanliness.
Parker's promotional company published a communique declaring: "Vada notified everyone involved about Parker had a positive result subsequent to an anti-doping test conducted on the 25th October. During the ongoing inquiry, no additional comment are planned at this time."
Professional History
Parker became titleholder in 2016 until he surrendered the WBO title via unanimous decision versus Anthony Joshua in Cardiff in 2018.
Parker became a frequent visitor on British soil from that point, fighting eight times overall in the UK and relocating to Dublin for fight camps under respected coach former champion Lee over the past few years.
Current Situation
Under the tutelage of Lee, Parker recovered from his defeat in 2022 to Joe Joyce to achieve a string of victories positioning him front of the queue to face Oleksandr Usyk before he suffered defeat to Wardley.
Subsequent to Parker returned a failed test when he fought Wardley, reportedly for cocaine, an investigation into the findings has been started.
- The boxer failed a drug test for a prohibited substance.
- The screening was administered via the anti-doping agency on the fight day.
- Parker now faces a possible suspension from boxing.
- Queensberry released a comment acknowledging the positive test.
- A review has been underway about the situation.
