Joseph Parker Could Receive Imminent Disqualification Following Positive Drugs Test
Joseph Parker produced a positive sample in a anti-doping examination carried out the same day he faced 11th-round stoppage versus British heavyweight Ipswich-born Wardley.
The Bout and Its Stakes
The British boxer and the New Zealander were part of an intense contest in London in late October to decide the identity of the WBO mandatory challenger against unified heavyweight titleholder Ukrainian champion Usyk.
The fighter was previously the primary candidate to meet Oleksandr Usyk following putting together a notable six-fight winning streak, yet put his mandatory challenger status at stake in the UK and suffered an 11th-round stoppage.
Positive Test Plus Implications
A standard screening conducted on the boxer through the Voluntary Anti-Doping Agency the day he fought showed an adverse result and leaves Parker with a battle to prove his innocence.
Parker's promotional company released a statement stating: "The agency notified all relevant parties that Joseph Parker had a positive result subsequent to a drug screening administered on October 25th. During the ongoing inquiry, no more comments will be made for now."
Professional History
Parker was crowned titleholder six years ago until he was defeated for his championship belt through a points decision versus British star Joshua in Wales two years later.
The fighter has been a frequent visitor across the United Kingdom from that point, having eight matches overall on UK territory and relocating to Ireland for fight camps with highly regarded trainer former champion Lee in recent years.
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Under the tutelage of Lee, the boxer bounced back from his 2022 loss to British heavyweight Joyce to secure a string of victories positioning him as the top contender to face the champion prior to he lost to the British fighter.
Subsequent to Parker's sample showed a positive test on the day of the Wardley fight, allegedly for cocaine, an inquiry into the findings has been started.
- Parker tested positive for a prohibited substance.
- The examination took place via the anti-doping agency on the fight day.
- The fighter is confronting a potential ban from boxing.
- Queensberry published a comment acknowledging the positive test.
- A formal inquiry is now in progress about the situation.
