Joseph Parker Faces Imminent Disqualification Following Failed Anti-Doping Test
Former world champion Parker produced a positive sample during a drugs test administered on the day he fought in 11th-round loss to English fighter Ipswich-born Wardley.
The Fight and Its Stakes
Fabio Wardley and Parker were part of a pulsating bout held in London last October to determine who would become mandatory WBO contender against unified heavyweight titleholder Oleksandr Usyk.
The fighter had positioned himself as the leading contender to meet Oleksandr Usyk after compiling a remarkable six wins in a row, however risked his shot at the title at stake in the UK and endured an 11th-round defeat.
Adverse Finding and Implications
A standard screening given to the boxer via Vada the day he fought showed an adverse result and leaves the 36-year-old in a difficult position to demonstrate his cleanliness.
His promotion team released a communique declaring: "The agency informed all relevant parties that Joseph Parker tested positive after an anti-doping test conducted on the fight day. During the ongoing inquiry, no additional comment will be made for now."
Professional History
Parker became heavyweight champion in 2016 before he lost his WBO belt by unanimous decision to Anthony Joshua at the Millennium Stadium 24 months later.
The fighter has been an active participant in the UK since then, competing in eight bouts overall in Britain and transferring to Dublin for fight camps under esteemed mentor Andy Lee in recent years.
Current Situation
Guided by Lee, Joseph Parker bounced back from his 2022 loss versus British heavyweight Joyce to secure several successes positioning him front of the queue to challenge Usyk until he suffered defeat to the British fighter.
Subsequent to Parker returned an adverse finding during the Wardley bout, reportedly for cocaine, an investigation into the findings has been started.
- The boxer returned an adverse finding for an illegal substance.
- The screening was conducted through Vada on the fight day.
- Parker is confronting disciplinary action from competition.
- Queensberry published a comment acknowledging the adverse finding.
- A formal inquiry has been ongoing into the matter.
