Joseph Parker Confronts Potential Disqualification Following Positive Drugs Test
Joseph Parker tested positive during a drugs test carried out the same day he fought in 11th-round stoppage against British heavyweight Ipswich-born Wardley.
The Fight Along with Its Stakes
The British boxer and Joseph Parker participated in a pulsating bout in London last October to decide who would become next in line for the WBO against reigning heavyweight king Oleksandr Usyk.
The fighter had positioned himself as the leading contender to challenge the champion following compiling a notable six consecutive victories, yet put his mandatory challenger status at stake during the bout and suffered an 11th-round defeat.
Adverse Finding Along with Potential Consequences
A standard screening given to Joseph Parker via the Voluntary Anti-Doping Agency the day of the match returned positive which leaves the 36-year-old facing a challenge to clear his name.
The boxer's representatives released an announcement stating: "The anti-doping body notified everyone involved regarding Joseph Parker had a positive result following a drug screening carried out on October 25th. While the matter is investigated, no more comments are planned for now."
Professional History
Joseph Parker was crowned heavyweight champion six years ago until he lost his championship belt via unanimous decision to Anthony Joshua in Wales in 2018.
Parker remained a frequent visitor in the UK from that point, having eight matches overall in Britain and relocating to Ireland for fight camps with highly regarded trainer former champion Lee in recent years.
Recent Developments
Guided by Lee, Joseph Parker bounced back from his 2022 loss to Joe Joyce to secure multiple wins which put him at the front of the line to face Oleksandr Usyk prior to he lost to the British fighter.
Subsequent to Parker's sample showed a positive test when he fought Wardley, reportedly for cocaine, a probe about the test outcome has been started.
- The boxer returned an adverse finding for an illegal substance.
- The test was administered via the anti-doping agency the day of the bout.
- The fighter now faces disciplinary action from boxing.
- Queensberry released a statement addressing the adverse finding.
- A review is currently ongoing into the matter.
