Boxer Joseph Parker Faces Potential Disqualification After Positive Drugs Test
Former world champion Parker returned an adverse finding as part of a drugs test administered the same day he faced 11th-round stoppage versus English fighter Fabio Wardley.
The Bout Plus the Consequences
Fabio Wardley and Joseph Parker engaged in an intense encounter staged in the UK capital on 25 October to decide the identity of the mandatory WBO contender against unified heavyweight titleholder Oleksandr Usyk.
Joseph Parker had positioned himself as the primary candidate to face Usyk after putting together an impressive six consecutive victories, however put his mandatory challenger status in jeopardy in London and suffered an 11th-round stoppage.
Positive Test Plus Possible Outcomes
A routine test given to the boxer through Vada the day of the match showed an adverse result which leaves the 36-year-old facing a challenge to prove his innocence.
His promotion team published a statement declaring: "Vada notified all relevant parties that Joseph Parker returned an adverse finding after a doping test administered on the 25th October. As the investigation continues, no further statements are planned for now."
Boxing Journey
Joseph Parker earned the title of titleholder in 2016 before he was defeated for his championship belt via unanimous decision versus British star Joshua in Wales 24 months later.
Joseph Parker has been an active participant in the UK since then, competing in eight bouts in total on UK territory and moving to the Irish capital for training camps under respected coach Andy Lee over the past few years.
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Under the tutelage of Lee, Joseph Parker bounced back from his defeat in 2022 against Joe Joyce to secure multiple wins positioning him front of the queue to challenge Oleksandr Usyk prior to he suffered defeat to Wardley.
After the boxer produced a failed test on the day of the Wardley fight, reportedly for cocaine, an investigation into the findings has been started.
- Parker failed a drug test for a prohibited substance.
- The test took place through Vada on October 25th.
- Parker now faces a potential ban from boxing.
- His representatives released an announcement acknowledging the adverse finding.
- A review has been underway about the situation.
