New Zealand's Joseph Parker Could Receive Potential Disqualification After Positive Doping Test
Joseph Parker returned an adverse finding during a doping test conducted on the day of his 11th-round defeat to UK boxer Fabio Wardley.
The Bout and Its Consequences
The British boxer together with the New Zealander were part of a thrilling bout held in London last October to determine the next next in line for the WBO facing reigning heavyweight king Oleksandr Usyk.
Parker had positioned himself as next in line to meet Usyk following compiling an impressive six consecutive victories, but placed his contender position at stake in London and experienced an 11th-round defeat.
Adverse Finding and Implications
A routine test given to the boxer by the Voluntary Anti-Doping Agency the day he fought returned positive which leaves the veteran boxer in a difficult position to clear his name.
His promotion team issued a statement which read: "The agency alerted all relevant parties about Parker tested positive following an anti-doping test conducted on the fight day. As the investigation continues, no additional comment are forthcoming for now."
Career Background
The New Zealand boxer became titleholder back in 2016 until he was defeated for his championship belt through a points decision versus Anthony Joshua in Wales two years later.
Parker became an active participant in the UK after that, competing in eight bouts overall in Britain and relocating to Ireland for training camps alongside esteemed mentor Andy Lee during this period.
Recent Developments
Guided by Lee, the boxer recovered from the 2022 setback against Joe Joyce to chalk up a string of victories which put him at the front of the line to challenge Oleksandr Usyk before he lost against Wardley.
Subsequent to the boxer produced a positive test when he fought Wardley, reportedly involving cocaine, an investigation regarding the results is underway.
- Parker returned an adverse finding for a banned substance.
- The screening was administered via the anti-doping agency the day of the bout.
- Parker could receive a possible suspension from competition.
- His promotional team has issued a statement acknowledging the positive test.
- An investigation is currently ongoing into the matter.
