New Zealand's Joseph Parker Faces Imminent Disqualification After Positive Drugs Test

Former world champion Parker returned an adverse finding during a doping test conducted the very day of his 11th-round loss to British heavyweight Fabio Wardley.

The Match Along with Its Consequences

Wardley together with Parker engaged in an intense encounter in London in late October to determine the next next in line for the WBO against reigning heavyweight king Oleksandr Usyk.

Parker had positioned himself as the primary candidate to challenge Oleksandr Usyk subsequent to compiling a remarkable six-fight winning streak, however put his mandatory challenger status in jeopardy during the bout and suffered an 11th-round stoppage.

Failed Examination and Implications

A standard screening given to the boxer by the Voluntary Anti-Doping Agency on the day of the bout returned positive which leaves the veteran boxer with a battle to demonstrate his cleanliness.

Parker's promotional company released a statement which read: "The anti-doping body notified all required parties regarding Joseph Parker had a positive result following an anti-doping test administered on the fight day. As the investigation continues, no further statements are planned currently."

Career Background

The New Zealand boxer was crowned heavyweight champion back in 2016 prior to he lost his championship belt via unanimous decision against Anthony Joshua at the Millennium Stadium two years later.

The fighter remained a regular competitor in the UK from that point, fighting eight times in total on UK territory and moving to Dublin for fight camps under esteemed mentor former champion Lee during this period.

Recent Developments

Guided by Lee, Parker recovered from his 2022 loss against Joe Joyce to secure several successes that placed him front of the queue to challenge Oleksandr Usyk before he was defeated against Wardley.

After Parker's sample showed a positive test during the Wardley bout, allegedly for cocaine, a probe regarding the results has commenced.

• Parker returned an adverse finding for a banned substance.
• The examination was administered through Vada on October 25th.
• The fighter now faces a potential ban from competition.
• His promotional team released an announcement addressing the failed examination.
• A formal inquiry is currently in progress into the matter.