Joseph Parker Faces Imminent Disqualification Following Positive Drugs Test

The New Zealand heavyweight tested positive in a anti-doping examination carried out the very day he faced 11th-round loss versus UK boxer Ipswich-born Wardley.

The Fight and Its Implications

Fabio Wardley together with Joseph Parker were part of a pulsating contest held in London in late October to decide the next mandatory WBO contender to reigning heavyweight king Ukrainian champion Usyk.

Joseph Parker was previously next in line to meet Oleksandr Usyk subsequent to compiling a remarkable six-fight winning streak, however put his mandatory challenger status on the line in London and experienced an 11th-round stoppage.

Positive Test Along with Possible Outcomes

A routine test conducted on Parker via the anti-doping organization the day of the match came back positive and now leaves the veteran boxer with a battle to demonstrate his cleanliness.

The boxer's representatives issued a communique stating: "The anti-doping body notified all relevant parties that Joseph Parker returned an adverse finding after a doping test carried out on the fight day. During the ongoing inquiry, no more comments will be made at this time."

Boxing Journey

Joseph Parker became heavyweight champion in 2016 prior to he surrendered the WBO title via unanimous decision versus British star Joshua at the Millennium Stadium 24 months later.

The fighter became a frequent visitor in the UK since then, having eight matches in total in Britain and relocating to the Irish capital for training camps with respected coach Andy Lee over the past few years.

Recent Developments

Coached by Andy Lee, the boxer bounced back from his defeat in 2022 against Joe Joyce to secure a string of victories positioning him at the front of the line to challenge Usyk until he suffered defeat to the British fighter.

Following Parker's sample showed a failed test on the day of the Wardley fight, allegedly for cocaine, a probe regarding the results has commenced.

• The boxer returned an adverse finding for an illegal substance.
• The screening was conducted by Vada on the fight day.
• Joseph Parker could receive disciplinary action from the sport.
• Queensberry has issued a statement acknowledging the adverse finding.
• An investigation is now in progress about the situation.