Joseph Parker Could Receive Imminent Disqualification Following Positive Doping Test
Joseph Parker returned an adverse finding as part of a anti-doping examination administered the same day he faced 11th-round loss against British heavyweight Fabio Wardley.
The Match and Its Implications
The British boxer and Joseph Parker engaged in a thrilling contest held in London on 25 October to determine who would become next in line for the WBO to unified heavyweight titleholder Oleksandr Usyk.
The fighter had been the primary candidate to face Usyk after compiling a remarkable six-fight winning streak, however risked his mandatory challenger status at stake in the UK and experienced a stoppage in round eleven.
Positive Test Plus Possible Outcomes
An ordinary examination administered to Parker via Vada on the day of the bout returned positive and leaves Parker in a difficult position to demonstrate his cleanliness.
His promotion team published a communique stating: "The agency notified all required parties regarding Joseph Parker tested positive after an anti-doping test administered on the fight day. During the ongoing inquiry, no more comments will be made currently."
Boxing Journey
Joseph Parker earned the title of world champion six years ago before he lost the WBO title via unanimous decision to British star Joshua in Wales in 2018.
Parker has been a frequent visitor on British soil after that, having eight matches overall in the UK and transferring to Dublin for preparation with esteemed mentor former champion Lee over the past few years.
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Guided by Lee, the boxer overcame his 2022 loss against British heavyweight Joyce to secure multiple wins positioning him as the top contender to face Oleksandr Usyk before he lost to the British fighter.
Following Parker's sample showed an adverse finding during the Wardley bout, allegedly for cocaine, a probe into the findings is underway.
- Joseph Parker tested positive for an illegal substance.
- The examination was conducted via the anti-doping agency the day of the bout.
- Joseph Parker now faces disciplinary action from boxing.
- Queensberry has issued an announcement acknowledging the positive test.
- A formal inquiry has been in progress about the situation.
