Joseph Parker Could Receive Possible Disqualification Following Positive Drugs Test
Former world champion Parker tested positive in a doping test carried out the very day he fought in 11th-round defeat against British heavyweight Fabio Wardley.
The Bout Along with Its Stakes
Fabio Wardley together with the New Zealander participated in a thrilling encounter staged in the UK capital last October to decide who would become mandatory WBO contender facing unified heavyweight titleholder Oleksandr Usyk.
Parker had positioned himself as the leading contender to face the champion subsequent to stringing together an impressive six-fight winning streak, yet placed his contender position at stake in the UK and endured an 11th-round defeat.
Positive Test Plus Possible Outcomes
A standard screening administered to Parker by the Voluntary Anti-Doping Agency on the day of the bout returned positive and leaves the 36-year-old in a difficult position to demonstrate his cleanliness.
His promotion team issued an announcement which read: "The anti-doping body notified all required parties regarding Joseph Parker had a positive result after a doping test administered on the fight day. While the matter is investigated, no further statements are planned currently."
Career Background
Joseph Parker became heavyweight champion six years ago until he was defeated for his championship belt by unanimous decision against Anthony Joshua at the Millennium Stadium two years later.
Joseph Parker became an active participant on British soil after that, competing in eight bouts altogether in Britain and moving to Dublin for preparation under esteemed mentor Andy Lee during this period.
Current Situation
Coached by Andy Lee, Parker bounced back from his 2022 loss against Joe Joyce to achieve several successes positioning him at the front of the line to face the champion before he suffered defeat to Wardley.
After Parker returned a positive test on the day of the Wardley fight, reportedly involving cocaine, a probe regarding the results has been started.
- Parker failed a drug test for a prohibited substance.
- The test took place via the anti-doping agency on the fight day.
- The fighter now faces a potential ban from the sport.
- Queensberry released a statement addressing the failed examination.
- A formal inquiry is currently ongoing regarding the case.
