Boxer Joseph Parker Could Receive Potential Disqualification Due to Failed Anti-Doping Test
The New Zealand heavyweight returned an adverse finding in a anti-doping examination conducted on the day he faced 11th-round defeat versus British heavyweight Fabio Wardley.
The Match Plus the Stakes
Fabio Wardley and the New Zealander engaged in a thrilling bout staged in the UK capital last October to determine who would become mandatory WBO contender to reigning heavyweight king Oleksandr Usyk.
Parker was previously the leading contender to meet Usyk after stringing together a remarkable six consecutive victories, yet placed his shot at the title at stake during the bout and experienced an 11th-round stoppage.
Failed Examination Along with Possible Outcomes
An ordinary examination given to Joseph Parker through the Voluntary Anti-Doping Agency the day of the match returned positive which leaves Parker with a battle to prove his innocence.
The boxer's representatives published a statement stating: "The agency informed everyone involved about Parker returned an adverse finding after an anti-doping test administered on October 25th. As the investigation continues, no more comments will be made for now."
Career Background
Parker earned the title of heavyweight champion in 2016 before he surrendered his championship belt via unanimous decision against Anthony Joshua in Cardiff 24 months later.
Parker remained an active participant in the UK from that point, having eight matches overall in the UK and moving to Ireland for training camps under esteemed mentor Andy Lee over the past few years.
Current Situation
Coached by Andy Lee, the boxer recovered from the 2022 setback to Joe Joyce to chalk up several successes which put him as the top contender to challenge the champion prior to he lost against Wardley.
Subsequent to Parker returned a failed test when he fought Wardley, allegedly for cocaine, an investigation about the test outcome has commenced.
- Joseph Parker returned an adverse finding for an illegal substance.
- The examination was administered through Vada on the fight day.
- The fighter now faces a potential ban from boxing.
- His representatives released a statement acknowledging the failed examination.
- A review is now underway about the situation.
