Boxer Joseph Parker Faces Imminent Disqualification After Positive Drugs Test
Former world champion Parker returned an adverse finding in a doping test carried out on the day of his 11th-round stoppage against British heavyweight Fabio Wardley.
The Match Along with Its Consequences
Wardley and the New Zealander were part of a thrilling bout in London last October to decide the next mandatory WBO contender to unified heavyweight titleholder Oleksandr Usyk.
Joseph Parker had been the leading contender to face the champion subsequent to compiling an impressive six consecutive victories, but risked his shot at the title in jeopardy during the bout and experienced a stoppage in round eleven.
Adverse Finding and Possible Outcomes
An ordinary examination given to Joseph Parker through Vada the day of the match came back positive and now leaves Parker facing a challenge to prove his innocence.
Parker's promotional company released a statement which read: "Vada notified everyone involved about Parker tested positive following an anti-doping test administered on the 25th October. During the ongoing inquiry, no further statements are forthcoming currently."
Career Background
Parker was crowned world champion back in 2016 before he surrendered the WBO title via unanimous decision versus British star Joshua at the Millennium Stadium in 2018.
Joseph Parker remained a frequent visitor on British soil after that, fighting eight times in total in Britain and relocating to the Irish capital for preparation under respected coach Andy Lee in recent years.
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Guided by Lee, Parker overcame his 2022 loss to Joe Joyce to secure a string of victories which put him as the top contender to challenge Oleksandr Usyk prior to he lost to the British fighter.
Following Parker's sample showed a failed test during the Wardley bout, reportedly for cocaine, a probe about the test outcome has been started.
- The boxer returned an adverse finding for a prohibited substance.
- The screening was administered through Vada on October 25th.
- The fighter could receive a potential ban from the sport.
- His representatives has issued a statement acknowledging the failed examination.
- A review has been ongoing about the situation.
