Joseph Parker Could Receive Potential Disqualification After Positive Drugs Test

The New Zealand heavyweight tested positive in a doping test administered the same day of his 11th-round defeat against English fighter Ipswich-born Wardley.

The Fight and Its Stakes

Fabio Wardley together with Joseph Parker were part of an intense encounter staged in the UK capital in late October to decide the identity of the WBO mandatory challenger to undisputed world heavyweight champion Oleksandr Usyk.

Joseph Parker had positioned himself as the primary candidate to meet the champion subsequent to compiling a notable six wins in a row, but risked his mandatory challenger status at stake in the UK and endured a stoppage in round eleven.

Adverse Finding and Possible Outcomes

A standard screening administered to the boxer via Vada the day he fought came back positive which leaves Parker facing a challenge to demonstrate his cleanliness.

The boxer's representatives published an announcement stating: "The anti-doping body alerted everyone involved regarding Joseph Parker returned an adverse finding after a drug screening carried out on October 25th. During the ongoing inquiry, no additional comment are planned currently."

Career Background

Joseph Parker was crowned heavyweight champion in 2016 until he surrendered the WBO title through a points decision against Anthony Joshua at the Millennium Stadium 24 months later.

The fighter remained a regular competitor on British soil from that point, having eight matches in total on UK territory and transferring to the Irish capital for training camps under esteemed mentor Andy Lee over the past few years.

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Coached by Andy Lee, Joseph Parker overcame his defeat in 2022 versus Joe Joyce to achieve multiple wins positioning him as the top contender to meet the champion until he was defeated to the British fighter.

Subsequent to Parker's sample showed a failed test on the day of the Wardley fight, reportedly for cocaine, a probe into the findings is underway.

• Parker tested positive for an illegal substance.
• The test took place through Vada on the fight day.
• The fighter now faces a potential ban from competition.
• His representatives released a comment addressing the adverse finding.
• A formal inquiry is currently underway regarding the case.