Boxer Joseph Parker Could Receive Potential Disqualification Following Failed Drugs Test
The New Zealand heavyweight returned an adverse finding as part of a anti-doping examination carried out the very day of his 11th-round stoppage to UK boxer Ipswich-born Wardley.
The Match Plus the Implications
Wardley together with Joseph Parker engaged in an intense encounter staged in the UK capital in late October to decide the identity of the next in line for the WBO to undisputed world heavyweight champion Oleksandr Usyk.
The fighter was previously the primary candidate to face Usyk following compiling a remarkable six-fight winning streak, however put his shot at the title on the line in the UK and endured an 11th-round stoppage.
Positive Test and Potential Consequences
A standard screening given to Joseph Parker by the Voluntary Anti-Doping Agency the day he fought returned positive which leaves the 36-year-old in a difficult position to clear his name.
His promotion team issued a statement which read: "Vada alerted all required parties about Parker had a positive result after a doping test conducted on the 25th October. During the ongoing inquiry, no more comments are forthcoming currently."
Boxing Journey
The New Zealand boxer earned the title of titleholder six years ago prior to he surrendered his championship belt via unanimous decision versus Anthony Joshua in Wales in 2018.
The fighter has been a regular competitor on British soil after that, competing in eight bouts in total in the UK and transferring to Dublin for training camps alongside esteemed mentor Andy Lee in recent years.
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Under the tutelage of Lee, the boxer overcame the 2022 setback versus Joe Joyce to chalk up a string of victories that placed him as the top contender to face Usyk prior to he was defeated to the British fighter.
After the boxer produced an adverse finding when he fought Wardley, allegedly for cocaine, a probe regarding the results has commenced.
- The boxer returned an adverse finding for a prohibited substance.
- The screening was conducted by Vada on October 25th.
- Joseph Parker now faces a potential ban from competition.
- His promotional team has issued a statement acknowledging the failed examination.
- A review has been underway into the matter.
