Joseph Parker Confronts Imminent Disqualification Due to Positive Drugs Test
Joseph Parker returned an adverse finding during a doping test conducted the very day of his 11th-round defeat to English fighter Ipswich-born Wardley.
The Fight Plus the Implications
The British boxer together with Parker were part of an intense bout in London last October to decide who would become mandatory WBO contender facing unified heavyweight titleholder Oleksandr Usyk.
Joseph Parker was previously the primary candidate to face the champion following stringing together an impressive six wins in a row, however placed his shot at the title in jeopardy in London and experienced an 11th-round defeat.
Adverse Finding Along with Possible Outcomes
A standard screening conducted on Parker by Vada the day he fought showed an adverse result and now leaves Parker facing a challenge to prove his innocence.
His promotion team issued an announcement which read: "The anti-doping body notified everyone involved about Parker returned an adverse finding subsequent to a drug screening carried out on the fight day. As the investigation continues, no additional comment are planned at this time."
Boxing Journey
Parker became titleholder six years ago prior to he surrendered his WBO belt via unanimous decision versus Anthony Joshua at the Millennium Stadium in 2018.
Parker remained a frequent visitor across the United Kingdom after that, competing in eight bouts overall in Britain and transferring to the Irish capital for fight camps under highly regarded trainer former champion Lee during this period.
Latest Events
Coached by Andy Lee, the boxer bounced back from his defeat in 2022 against British heavyweight Joyce to chalk up multiple wins that placed him front of the queue to face Usyk before he was defeated against Wardley.
After Parker's sample showed a positive test when he fought Wardley, reportedly for cocaine, a probe about the test outcome has commenced.
- The boxer failed a drug test for a prohibited substance.
- The examination took place by Vada the day of the bout.
- Parker now faces a possible suspension from boxing.
- His representatives released an announcement addressing the positive test.
- A formal inquiry is currently ongoing about the situation.
