Boxer Joseph Parker Could Receive Possible Disqualification Due to Failed Anti-Doping Test

Joseph Parker produced a positive sample during a doping test carried out on the day he fought in 11th-round defeat versus British heavyweight Fabio Wardley.

The Bout and Its Stakes

The British boxer along with Parker were part of a pulsating encounter in London last October to determine the identity of the WBO mandatory challenger against reigning heavyweight king Ukrainian champion Usyk.

Parker had positioned himself as next in line to face Usyk subsequent to putting together an impressive six-fight winning streak, yet risked his shot at the title in jeopardy during the bout and experienced an 11th-round stoppage.

Failed Examination Along with Potential Consequences

A standard screening administered to Parker through Vada on the day of the bout returned positive and leaves the veteran boxer in a difficult position to clear his name.

The boxer's representatives issued a statement declaring: "Vada notified all required parties that Joseph Parker tested positive following a doping test carried out on the 25th October. During the ongoing inquiry, no further statements are forthcoming currently."

Career Background

Joseph Parker earned the title of titleholder in 2016 before he surrendered his championship belt via unanimous decision against Anthony Joshua at the Millennium Stadium in 2018.

Joseph Parker has been a frequent visitor in the UK since then, competing in eight bouts in total in the UK and transferring to the Irish capital for fight camps under respected coach former champion Lee in recent years.

Current Situation

Coached by Andy Lee, Joseph Parker bounced back from his defeat in 2022 versus Joe Joyce to chalk up a string of victories that placed him as the top contender to face Usyk before he lost against Wardley.

After Parker returned an adverse finding during the Wardley bout, allegedly for cocaine, a probe about the test outcome has commenced.

• Parker failed a drug test for a banned substance.
• The examination was conducted by Vada on October 25th.
• The fighter now faces disciplinary action from the sport.
• His promotional team published a statement acknowledging the failed examination.
• An investigation is now in progress about the situation.