Boxer Joseph Parker Could Receive Imminent Disqualification After Failed Drugs Test
The New Zealand heavyweight returned an adverse finding as part of a doping test carried out the very day he faced 11th-round stoppage against UK boxer Ipswich-born Wardley.
The Bout Plus the Stakes
Wardley and Parker were part of an intense contest held in London on 25 October to decide the identity of the WBO mandatory challenger against reigning heavyweight king Oleksandr Usyk.
Joseph Parker had been the leading contender to challenge Oleksandr Usyk following compiling an impressive six consecutive victories, yet risked his shot at the title at stake in London and suffered an 11th-round defeat.
Adverse Finding Plus Implications
A standard screening given to the boxer by the anti-doping organization on the day of the bout showed an adverse result and now leaves the veteran boxer with a battle to clear his name.
His promotion team issued an announcement declaring: "The anti-doping body informed everyone involved that Joseph Parker had a positive result subsequent to a drug screening carried out on the fight day. While the matter is investigated, no more comments are forthcoming for now."
Career Background
The New Zealand boxer earned the title of heavyweight champion back in 2016 prior to he lost his championship belt via unanimous decision versus Anthony Joshua in Cardiff two years later.
The fighter remained a regular competitor across the United Kingdom from that point, fighting eight times altogether in the UK and relocating to Ireland for fight camps alongside respected coach former champion Lee over the past few years.
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Coached by Andy Lee, the boxer recovered from the 2022 setback against Joe Joyce to achieve several successes which put him front of the queue to face the champion prior to he suffered defeat to the British fighter.
After the boxer produced a failed test on the day of the Wardley fight, reportedly for cocaine, a probe into the findings has commenced.
- Parker tested positive for a banned substance.
- The test was administered by Vada on the fight day.
- Parker is confronting disciplinary action from competition.
- His representatives has issued an announcement confirming the failed examination.
- A formal inquiry is now in progress about the situation.
