Joseph Parker Faces Imminent Disqualification Following Failed Doping Test
Joseph Parker tested positive during a drugs test conducted the very day of his 11th-round defeat against UK boxer Ipswich-born Wardley.
The Match Along with Its Stakes
Wardley and Joseph Parker participated in an intense encounter staged in the UK capital on 25 October to determine the next mandatory WBO contender facing undisputed world heavyweight champion Oleksandr Usyk.
Parker had been next in line to face Oleksandr Usyk subsequent to compiling a notable six wins in a row, however risked his shot at the title at stake during the bout and endured a stoppage in round eleven.
Positive Test Along with Possible Outcomes
A routine test conducted on Parker by the Voluntary Anti-Doping Agency on the day of the bout returned positive and leaves Parker facing a challenge to prove his innocence.
His promotion team issued a communique stating: "The anti-doping body informed all relevant parties about Parker had a positive result subsequent to a drug screening carried out on the fight day. During the ongoing inquiry, no additional comment are planned currently."
Career Background
The New Zealand boxer earned the title of world champion in 2016 until he surrendered the WBO title by unanimous decision against Anthony Joshua in Cardiff in 2018.
The fighter has been an active participant on British soil since then, fighting eight times overall in Britain and moving to Ireland for training camps alongside respected coach Andy Lee in recent years.
Latest Events
Guided by Lee, the boxer bounced back from his defeat in 2022 against British heavyweight Joyce to chalk up multiple wins that placed him front of the queue to meet Usyk before he was defeated against Wardley.
Subsequent to Parker's sample showed an adverse finding on the day of the Wardley fight, allegedly for cocaine, an inquiry into the findings has been started.
- The boxer returned an adverse finding for a prohibited substance.
- The test took place by Vada on October 25th.
- The fighter now faces disciplinary action from competition.
- His promotional team released an announcement confirming the failed examination.
- An investigation is currently in progress about the situation.