New Zealand's Joseph Parker Faces Possible Disqualification Due to Positive Anti-Doping Test
The New Zealand heavyweight tested positive during a anti-doping examination administered the very day he faced 11th-round loss against UK boxer Ipswich-born Wardley.
The Fight and Its Implications
The British boxer and the New Zealander engaged in a thrilling bout held in London on 25 October to determine who would become WBO mandatory challenger to reigning heavyweight king Ukrainian champion Usyk.
Parker had been next in line to face Oleksandr Usyk following stringing together an impressive six wins in a row, but risked his shot at the title at stake in London and experienced a stoppage in round eleven.
Positive Test Plus Implications
A routine test given to Parker through the anti-doping organization on the day of the bout returned positive and now leaves the 36-year-old facing a challenge to clear his name.
The boxer's representatives published an announcement declaring: "The agency notified all relevant parties that Joseph Parker had a positive result following an anti-doping test administered on the 25th October. While the matter is investigated, no more comments are planned for now."
Career Background
Parker was crowned heavyweight champion in 2016 until he was defeated for his WBO belt by unanimous decision against Anthony Joshua in Cardiff in 2018.
Joseph Parker remained a regular competitor on British soil after that, having eight matches overall in the UK and transferring to the Irish capital for fight camps with highly regarded trainer Andy Lee during this period.
Current Situation
Coached by Andy Lee, the boxer recovered from his 2022 loss against Joe Joyce to chalk up several successes positioning him as the top contender to challenge Oleksandr Usyk prior to he suffered defeat to the British fighter.
Following the boxer produced an adverse finding on the day of the Wardley fight, reportedly for cocaine, an inquiry about the test outcome is underway.
- Parker returned an adverse finding for a banned substance.
- The test took place by Vada the day of the bout.
- Parker could receive disciplinary action from the sport.
- Queensberry has issued a statement addressing the positive test.
- An investigation is now ongoing about the situation.
