New Zealand's Joseph Parker Could Receive Possible Disqualification Due to Failed Drugs Test
Former world champion Parker returned an adverse finding as part of a drugs test conducted the very day of his 11th-round loss to UK boxer Fabio Wardley.
The Bout Along with Its Consequences
The British boxer and Parker were part of a thrilling encounter held in London on 25 October to establish who would become next in line for the WBO facing unified heavyweight titleholder Oleksandr Usyk.
Parker was previously the leading contender to face Usyk subsequent to putting together a notable six wins in a row, but placed his contender position on the line in London and suffered an 11th-round defeat.
Adverse Finding Plus Possible Outcomes
A routine test given to Parker by the Voluntary Anti-Doping Agency the day he fought returned positive which leaves Parker with a battle to prove his innocence.
Parker's promotional company issued a communique which read: "The anti-doping body notified everyone involved about Parker returned an adverse finding after a drug screening conducted on the fight day. During the ongoing inquiry, no further statements are forthcoming currently."
Professional History
The New Zealand boxer earned the title of world champion in 2016 prior to he was defeated for his championship belt through a points decision against British star Joshua in Cardiff in 2018.
Joseph Parker remained an active participant on British soil since then, fighting eight times overall in Britain and relocating to Dublin for fight camps under esteemed mentor former champion Lee in recent years.
Current Situation
Coached by Andy Lee, Parker bounced back from his defeat in 2022 against Joe Joyce to achieve several successes which put him at the front of the line to face Oleksandr Usyk before he suffered defeat against Wardley.
Following Parker's sample showed a failed test when he fought Wardley, reportedly for cocaine, an inquiry into the findings has been started.
- Joseph Parker returned an adverse finding for an illegal substance.
- The test was conducted via the anti-doping agency the day of the bout.
- Joseph Parker is confronting a potential ban from the sport.
- Queensberry has issued a comment acknowledging the positive test.
- An investigation is now ongoing regarding the case.