Joseph Parker Faces Imminent Disqualification After Positive Doping Test
Joseph Parker returned an adverse finding as part of a drugs test carried out the very day of his 11th-round defeat against English fighter Fabio Wardley.
The Bout and Its Stakes
Fabio Wardley together with the New Zealander were part of an intense encounter held in London on 25 October to establish the identity of the mandatory WBO contender to undisputed world heavyweight champion Oleksandr Usyk.
Joseph Parker had positioned himself as next in line to meet Oleksandr Usyk following compiling a remarkable six-fight winning streak, however placed his mandatory challenger status in jeopardy in the UK and endured an 11th-round defeat.
Positive Test Plus Implications
An ordinary examination given to the boxer via Vada the day he fought showed an adverse result which leaves the veteran boxer with a battle to prove his innocence.
Parker's promotional company released a communique stating: "Vada informed all relevant parties that Joseph Parker tested positive after a doping test conducted on the 25th October. As the investigation continues, no additional comment are planned for now."
Career Background
Joseph Parker was crowned world champion in 2016 before he lost his championship belt by unanimous decision to British star Joshua in Wales two years later.
The fighter remained a frequent visitor across the United Kingdom since then, having eight matches overall in the UK and transferring to Ireland for preparation alongside highly regarded trainer former champion Lee over the past few years.
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Under the tutelage of Lee, Parker bounced back from the 2022 setback versus Joe Joyce to secure a string of victories that placed him at the front of the line to meet Oleksandr Usyk until he suffered defeat against Wardley.
Subsequent to the boxer produced a failed test during the Wardley bout, allegedly for cocaine, an inquiry about the test outcome has commenced.
- Parker failed a drug test for a prohibited substance.
- The screening was conducted through Vada the day of the bout.
- Joseph Parker now faces a possible suspension from the sport.
- Queensberry published a statement acknowledging the adverse finding.
- A review is now in progress regarding the case.
