New Zealand's Joseph Parker Could Receive Imminent Disqualification Due to Failed Anti-Doping Test

Joseph Parker returned an adverse finding during a doping test administered the same day of his 11th-round defeat versus English fighter Fabio Wardley.

The Bout Plus the Implications

The British boxer along with the New Zealander were part of an intense contest staged in the UK capital in late October to determine who would become WBO mandatory challenger to undisputed world heavyweight champion Ukrainian champion Usyk.

Joseph Parker had positioned himself as the leading contender to challenge Usyk subsequent to compiling a remarkable six wins in a row, but risked his shot at the title in jeopardy during the bout and suffered a stoppage in round eleven.

Adverse Finding and Possible Outcomes

An ordinary examination conducted on Joseph Parker by Vada the day he fought came back positive and now leaves Parker with a battle to demonstrate his cleanliness.

His promotion team issued a statement stating: "The anti-doping body informed all relevant parties about Parker had a positive result subsequent to a doping test administered on the fight day. As the investigation continues, no more comments are forthcoming currently."

Boxing Journey

Parker became heavyweight champion six years ago prior to he was defeated for his WBO belt via unanimous decision versus British star Joshua in Cardiff two years later.

Parker has been a regular competitor across the United Kingdom since then, fighting eight times in total in the UK and transferring to Dublin for training camps with respected coach Andy Lee during this period.

Current Situation

Under the tutelage of Lee, Joseph Parker bounced back from the 2022 setback to Joe Joyce to achieve multiple wins which put him as the top contender to meet the champion before he suffered defeat against Wardley.

After the boxer produced an adverse finding when he fought Wardley, allegedly for cocaine, an inquiry into the findings is underway.

• The boxer tested positive for a prohibited substance.
• The screening was administered via the anti-doping agency the day of the bout.
• Parker now faces disciplinary action from the sport.
• His promotional team published an announcement confirming the positive test.
• A review is currently in progress into the matter.