New Zealand's Joseph Parker Faces Imminent Disqualification After Positive Doping Test
Joseph Parker produced a positive sample during a doping test administered the very day he fought in 11th-round defeat against English fighter Fabio Wardley.
The Fight Along with Its Stakes
Fabio Wardley together with the New Zealander participated in a thrilling contest staged in the UK capital last October to decide the identity of the next in line for the WBO to undisputed world heavyweight champion Oleksandr Usyk.
Joseph Parker was previously the primary candidate to face Oleksandr Usyk after stringing together an impressive six wins in a row, however risked his shot at the title in jeopardy during the bout and suffered an 11th-round defeat.
Adverse Finding and Implications
A routine test conducted on the boxer by Vada the day of the match came back positive and now leaves the veteran boxer with a battle to clear his name.
Parker's promotional company issued a communique stating: "The agency alerted everyone involved that Joseph Parker had a positive result subsequent to a doping test carried out on October 25th. During the ongoing inquiry, no further statements will be made at this time."
Professional History
Parker became world champion in 2016 before he surrendered the WBO title through a points decision against British star Joshua in Cardiff in 2018.
The fighter remained an active participant on British soil from that point, fighting eight times altogether in Britain and transferring to Dublin for training camps under highly regarded trainer Andy Lee in recent years.
Current Situation
Guided by Lee, the boxer recovered from his 2022 loss to Joe Joyce to achieve a string of victories positioning him at the front of the line to challenge the champion prior to he lost to Wardley.
Subsequent to Parker's sample showed an adverse finding during the Wardley bout, reportedly for cocaine, an investigation into the findings is underway.
- Joseph Parker tested positive for a prohibited substance.
- The examination was administered through Vada the day of the bout.
- Joseph Parker is confronting a potential ban from competition.
- His representatives has issued an announcement acknowledging the adverse finding.
- A review is now in progress regarding the case.
