Joseph Parker Faces Possible Disqualification After Positive Anti-Doping Test

The New Zealand heavyweight returned an adverse finding as part of a doping test conducted on the day he faced 11th-round loss versus English fighter Fabio Wardley.

The Bout and Its Stakes

Wardley together with Joseph Parker participated in a thrilling encounter staged in the UK capital on 25 October to determine the identity of the WBO mandatory challenger to reigning heavyweight king Oleksandr Usyk.

Parker was previously next in line to challenge Oleksandr Usyk subsequent to putting together an impressive six consecutive victories, but risked his contender position in jeopardy during the bout and suffered a stoppage in round eleven.

Failed Examination Plus Possible Outcomes

An ordinary examination conducted on the boxer via the Voluntary Anti-Doping Agency the day he fought came back positive which leaves Parker in a difficult position to prove his innocence.

His promotion team released an announcement which read: "The anti-doping body alerted all required parties that Joseph Parker returned an adverse finding following a doping test administered on October 25th. During the ongoing inquiry, no additional comment will be made for now."

Professional History

Joseph Parker earned the title of world champion back in 2016 prior to he surrendered the WBO title by unanimous decision to British star Joshua in Wales in 2018.

Joseph Parker became an active participant in the UK after that, having eight matches overall in the UK and relocating to Ireland for fight camps with esteemed mentor former champion Lee during this period.

Recent Developments

Coached by Andy Lee, Parker overcame his 2022 loss to Joe Joyce to secure a string of victories which put him front of the queue to face the champion until he was defeated to Wardley.

After Parker's sample showed a failed test during the Wardley bout, allegedly for cocaine, a probe regarding the results has been started.

• Joseph Parker tested positive for a banned substance.
• The screening was conducted by Vada the day of the bout.
• Joseph Parker is confronting a potential ban from the sport.
• His promotional team published a comment confirming the adverse finding.
• An investigation has been underway regarding the case.