Joseph Parker Could Receive Imminent Disqualification Due to Failed Doping Test
Joseph Parker produced a positive sample during a anti-doping examination carried out on the day he faced 11th-round defeat against UK boxer Ipswich-born Wardley.
The Match Plus the Implications
Wardley and the New Zealander participated in an intense bout held in London on 25 October to decide the identity of the mandatory WBO contender against undisputed world heavyweight champion Ukrainian champion Usyk.
The fighter was previously the primary candidate to meet the champion subsequent to stringing together a notable six wins in a row, but risked his mandatory challenger status on the line during the bout and experienced a stoppage in round eleven.
Failed Examination Plus Potential Consequences
A routine test administered to Joseph Parker by the anti-doping organization the day of the match returned positive and leaves the 36-year-old with a battle to clear his name.
His promotion team released an announcement stating: "The anti-doping body informed all required parties about Parker had a positive result subsequent to an anti-doping test conducted on the 25th October. During the ongoing inquiry, no more comments are forthcoming for now."
Career Background
Parker became heavyweight champion six years ago before he was defeated for the WBO title via unanimous decision against Anthony Joshua at the Millennium Stadium in 2018.
Joseph Parker has been a frequent visitor across the United Kingdom from that point, competing in eight bouts overall on UK territory and moving to the Irish capital for fight camps under highly regarded trainer Andy Lee over the past few years.
Latest Events
Guided by Lee, the boxer recovered from his 2022 loss versus Joe Joyce to achieve a string of victories positioning him front of the queue to face Oleksandr Usyk until he was defeated to the British fighter.
Following Parker returned a positive test when he fought Wardley, allegedly for cocaine, an investigation into the findings is underway.
- Joseph Parker returned an adverse finding for an illegal substance.
- The examination was conducted via the anti-doping agency the day of the bout.
- The fighter is confronting a possible suspension from competition.
- Queensberry has issued a comment addressing the adverse finding.
- A formal inquiry has been ongoing regarding the case.
