Joseph Parker Faces Imminent Disqualification Due to Failed Drugs Test
Joseph Parker returned an adverse finding in a drugs test conducted the same day he faced 11th-round loss to English fighter Fabio Wardley.
The Fight Plus the Consequences
Wardley along with Parker participated in a pulsating bout in London in late October to establish the identity of the WBO mandatory challenger to reigning heavyweight king Ukrainian champion Usyk.
Parker had positioned himself as the primary candidate to face Oleksandr Usyk following compiling a notable six-fight winning streak, yet risked his shot at the title on the line during the bout and experienced a stoppage in round eleven.
Adverse Finding and Implications
A standard screening administered to the boxer by Vada the day he fought came back positive and leaves the 36-year-old facing a challenge to demonstrate his cleanliness.
The boxer's representatives released an announcement stating: "The anti-doping body informed all relevant parties regarding Joseph Parker tested positive subsequent to an anti-doping test carried out on the 25th October. During the ongoing inquiry, no additional comment will be made currently."
Boxing Journey
Joseph Parker was crowned heavyweight champion in 2016 until he lost his WBO belt by unanimous decision against British star Joshua in Cardiff 24 months later.
Joseph Parker has been an active participant in the UK since then, having eight matches overall on UK territory and relocating to the Irish capital for fight camps under highly regarded trainer Andy Lee over the past few years.
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Guided by Lee, Parker recovered from the 2022 setback to Joe Joyce to secure multiple wins positioning him front of the queue to challenge Usyk until he suffered defeat to Wardley.
After the boxer produced a positive test on the day of the Wardley fight, allegedly for cocaine, a probe about the test outcome is underway.
- Joseph Parker failed a drug test for a banned substance.
- The examination was administered via the anti-doping agency the day of the bout.
- The fighter could receive a possible suspension from the sport.
- Queensberry released a comment addressing the failed examination.
- An investigation has been in progress about the situation.
