New Zealand's Joseph Parker Could Receive Possible Disqualification Due to Failed Drugs Test
Joseph Parker tested positive in a drugs test carried out the very day he faced 11th-round loss versus British heavyweight Ipswich-born Wardley.
The Bout Plus the Consequences
The British boxer along with the New Zealander participated in an intense bout held in London last October to decide who would become WBO mandatory challenger to reigning heavyweight king Ukrainian champion Usyk.
Parker had positioned himself as the primary candidate to challenge Usyk following compiling an impressive six wins in a row, but risked his shot at the title at stake in London and endured an 11th-round defeat.
Adverse Finding and Implications
A standard screening conducted on Joseph Parker via the Voluntary Anti-Doping Agency on the day of the bout came back positive and leaves Parker facing a challenge to prove his innocence.
Parker's promotional company published a communique which read: "Vada informed all required parties that Joseph Parker returned an adverse finding following a drug screening administered on the fight day. While the matter is investigated, no further statements are planned at this time."
Career Background
Parker became titleholder in 2016 prior to he lost his championship belt through a points decision versus Anthony Joshua in Wales in 2018.
The fighter has been a regular competitor across the United Kingdom from that point, having eight matches overall in Britain and transferring to the Irish capital for preparation under respected coach Andy Lee in recent years.
Recent Developments
Under the tutelage of Lee, Parker overcame his 2022 loss to British heavyweight Joyce to secure a string of victories that placed him at the front of the line to meet Usyk before he was defeated to Wardley.
After Parker returned a positive test during the Wardley bout, reportedly for cocaine, a probe regarding the results has commenced.
- Joseph Parker tested positive for an illegal substance.
- The test was administered by Vada on October 25th.
- Joseph Parker is confronting disciplinary action from boxing.
- His promotional team has issued a statement acknowledging the positive test.
- A review has been underway regarding the case.
