Joseph Parker Could Receive Potential Disqualification Following Positive Doping Test
Joseph Parker tested positive as part of a doping test conducted the very day he faced 11th-round stoppage versus UK boxer Ipswich-born Wardley.
The Match Plus the Stakes
The British boxer together with Parker were part of a thrilling contest staged in the UK capital last October to decide the identity of the WBO mandatory challenger against unified heavyweight titleholder Oleksandr Usyk.
Joseph Parker had positioned himself as the leading contender to meet Usyk after compiling a notable six consecutive victories, yet placed his contender position on the line in London and experienced an 11th-round defeat.
Positive Test Along with Implications
An ordinary examination given to Joseph Parker through the Voluntary Anti-Doping Agency on the day of the bout returned positive and leaves the veteran boxer with a battle to prove his innocence.
The boxer's representatives issued a statement which read: "Vada notified all relevant parties regarding Joseph Parker tested positive after a drug screening conducted on the fight day. During the ongoing inquiry, no more comments are planned at this time."
Career Background
Joseph Parker was crowned titleholder in 2016 before he lost his championship belt by unanimous decision to Anthony Joshua at the Millennium Stadium in 2018.
The fighter remained a regular competitor on British soil from that point, having eight matches overall on UK territory and transferring to Dublin for training camps with highly regarded trainer former champion Lee over the past few years.
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Under the tutelage of Lee, Parker bounced back from the 2022 setback against British heavyweight Joyce to achieve several successes that placed him at the front of the line to face Oleksandr Usyk until he was defeated to Wardley.
After the boxer produced a positive test when he fought Wardley, reportedly for cocaine, a probe regarding the results is underway.
- Parker tested positive for an illegal substance.
- The test was conducted via the anti-doping agency on the fight day.
- Joseph Parker could receive a possible suspension from the sport.
- His promotional team released a statement acknowledging the failed examination.
- A formal inquiry is currently underway about the situation.
