Joseph Parker Faces Possible Disqualification Due to Positive Drugs Test
Joseph Parker returned an adverse finding during a doping test administered on the day he fought in 11th-round defeat against UK boxer Fabio Wardley.
The Fight and Its Implications
Fabio Wardley along with Parker participated in a thrilling contest in London in late October to decide who would become mandatory WBO contender against undisputed world heavyweight champion Oleksandr Usyk.
The fighter had positioned himself as next in line to meet Oleksandr Usyk after compiling a remarkable six wins in a row, however placed his shot at the title at stake during the bout and experienced an 11th-round defeat.
Adverse Finding Plus Possible Outcomes
An ordinary examination administered to Parker via the anti-doping organization on the day of the bout showed an adverse result and leaves Parker in a difficult position to demonstrate his cleanliness.
His promotion team released an announcement stating: "The anti-doping body informed all relevant parties regarding Joseph Parker had a positive result subsequent to a doping test conducted on the 25th October. While the matter is investigated, no more comments are forthcoming for now."
Boxing Journey
Parker was crowned titleholder six years ago until he was defeated for the WBO title through a points decision to Anthony Joshua at the Millennium Stadium in 2018.
Parker became a frequent visitor across the United Kingdom after that, competing in eight bouts in total on UK territory and transferring to Dublin for training camps with highly regarded trainer former champion Lee during this period.
Latest Events
Coached by Andy Lee, the boxer bounced back from his 2022 loss versus Joe Joyce to secure multiple wins which put him front of the queue to face Oleksandr Usyk until he was defeated to Wardley.
Subsequent to the boxer produced a positive test on the day of the Wardley fight, reportedly involving cocaine, an inquiry about the test outcome has commenced.
- Parker failed a drug test for a banned substance.
- The examination was administered via the anti-doping agency the day of the bout.
- Parker could receive disciplinary action from competition.
- Queensberry published an announcement addressing the adverse finding.
- A formal inquiry is currently underway into the matter.
