New Zealand's Joseph Parker Confronts Possible Disqualification Following Failed Anti-Doping Test
The New Zealand heavyweight tested positive during a doping test carried out the same day he faced 11th-round defeat to British heavyweight Fabio Wardley.
The Bout Along with Its Consequences
The British boxer together with the New Zealander participated in a thrilling contest in London in late October to determine the next WBO mandatory challenger to unified heavyweight titleholder Ukrainian champion Usyk.
Joseph Parker had been the primary candidate to face the champion following putting together an impressive six wins in a row, but put his mandatory challenger status at stake during the bout and suffered an 11th-round stoppage.
Positive Test and Implications
A standard screening conducted on the boxer by the anti-doping organization the day of the match returned positive and leaves Parker in a difficult position to clear his name.
Parker's promotional company issued a communique which read: "Vada alerted all relevant parties that Joseph Parker tested positive following a drug screening carried out on October 25th. While the matter is investigated, no additional comment are forthcoming currently."
Boxing Journey
The New Zealand boxer became titleholder in 2016 prior to he lost his WBO belt via unanimous decision to Anthony Joshua in Wales in 2018.
Parker has been a regular competitor on British soil after that, fighting eight times in total in the UK and moving to the Irish capital for training camps with esteemed mentor former champion Lee over the past few years.
Latest Events
Guided by Lee, Joseph Parker overcame his defeat in 2022 against British heavyweight Joyce to chalk up several successes positioning him at the front of the line to meet the champion until he suffered defeat to the British fighter.
Subsequent to the boxer produced a positive test on the day of the Wardley fight, allegedly for cocaine, a probe regarding the results has been started.
- Parker tested positive for a banned substance.
- The examination was conducted through Vada the day of the bout.
- Parker is confronting disciplinary action from competition.
- Queensberry has issued a comment addressing the positive test.
- A formal inquiry has been in progress regarding the case.
