Joseph Parker Faces Imminent Disqualification Due to Positive Drugs Test
Joseph Parker produced a positive sample in a drugs test carried out the same day he faced 11th-round stoppage versus English fighter Ipswich-born Wardley.
The Fight and Its Consequences
Fabio Wardley and Joseph Parker engaged in a thrilling encounter in London last October to determine the next mandatory WBO contender against reigning heavyweight king Ukrainian champion Usyk.
Joseph Parker had been the primary candidate to challenge Usyk after compiling a remarkable six consecutive victories, yet put his mandatory challenger status in jeopardy during the bout and experienced an 11th-round stoppage.
Adverse Finding Along with Implications
A routine test conducted on the boxer through Vada the day he fought came back positive which leaves Parker in a difficult position to prove his innocence.
His promotion team published a statement declaring: "The agency alerted all relevant parties about Parker had a positive result after a drug screening conducted on the fight day. During the ongoing inquiry, no additional comment will be made currently."
Professional History
Joseph Parker became world champion six years ago until he surrendered the WBO title by unanimous decision to Anthony Joshua in Wales two years later.
Parker became a regular competitor in the UK after that, having eight matches in total in Britain and relocating to the Irish capital for training camps under esteemed mentor Andy Lee in recent years.
Latest Events
Guided by Lee, Joseph Parker overcame his defeat in 2022 against British heavyweight Joyce to chalk up multiple wins positioning him at the front of the line to meet Usyk before he lost against Wardley.
After Parker's sample showed an adverse finding during the Wardley bout, reportedly for cocaine, an investigation regarding the results has been started.
- Joseph Parker returned an adverse finding for a prohibited substance.
- The screening was conducted through Vada on the fight day.
- Parker now faces a potential ban from the sport.
- Queensberry has issued an announcement addressing the adverse finding.
- A formal inquiry is now ongoing into the matter.
