Boxer Joseph Parker Confronts Possible Disqualification Following Failed Anti-Doping Test
Joseph Parker produced a positive sample as part of a anti-doping examination administered the same day he faced 11th-round loss to English fighter Ipswich-born Wardley.
The Fight Plus the Implications
Wardley together with Joseph Parker were part of a pulsating bout staged in the UK capital on 25 October to establish who would become WBO mandatory challenger to unified heavyweight titleholder Oleksandr Usyk.
Parker was previously next in line to face Usyk after putting together an impressive six wins in a row, however put his shot at the title on the line in the UK and experienced a stoppage in round eleven.
Adverse Finding and Implications
A standard screening given to Parker by Vada the day he fought returned positive which leaves the veteran boxer in a difficult position to clear his name.
His promotion team released a statement declaring: "Vada notified everyone involved regarding Joseph Parker had a positive result following an anti-doping test administered on the 25th October. While the matter is investigated, no more comments are planned for now."
Career Background
Joseph Parker became heavyweight champion in 2016 until he lost his championship belt through a points decision versus British star Joshua in Wales in 2018.
Joseph Parker has been a regular competitor across the United Kingdom since then, competing in eight bouts overall in Britain and moving to Dublin for preparation with respected coach Andy Lee in recent years.
Latest Events
Coached by Andy Lee, Parker bounced back from his defeat in 2022 against British heavyweight Joyce to secure a string of victories which put him front of the queue to challenge Usyk until he was defeated to Wardley.
After Parker's sample showed a failed test during the Wardley bout, allegedly for cocaine, an inquiry into the findings has been started.
- The boxer tested positive for an illegal substance.
- The screening took place by Vada on October 25th.
- Joseph Parker could receive a potential ban from the sport.
- His promotional team released an announcement acknowledging the positive test.
- A review is currently in progress regarding the case.