New Zealand's Joseph Parker Confronts Potential Disqualification After Positive Anti-Doping Test

Former world champion Parker returned an adverse finding during a anti-doping examination administered the very day he fought in 11th-round defeat versus UK boxer Ipswich-born Wardley.

The Match and Its Stakes

Fabio Wardley together with Parker participated in a thrilling encounter staged in the UK capital on 25 October to establish the identity of the WBO mandatory challenger against reigning heavyweight king Oleksandr Usyk.

The fighter was previously next in line to meet the champion after stringing together a remarkable six-fight winning streak, yet risked his contender position at stake in the UK and experienced a stoppage in round eleven.

Adverse Finding Plus Possible Outcomes

A standard screening given to Joseph Parker via the Voluntary Anti-Doping Agency the day he fought returned positive and now leaves the veteran boxer in a difficult position to clear his name.

His promotion team released an announcement which read: "Vada alerted all required parties about Parker had a positive result following an anti-doping test carried out on the fight day. While the matter is investigated, no more comments will be made at this time."

Professional History

Joseph Parker was crowned heavyweight champion back in 2016 until he was defeated for the WBO title by unanimous decision versus British star Joshua in Cardiff in 2018.

Parker has been a regular competitor on British soil from that point, having eight matches altogether in Britain and moving to the Irish capital for preparation alongside respected coach Andy Lee in recent years.

Current Situation

Coached by Andy Lee, Joseph Parker bounced back from his 2022 loss to Joe Joyce to chalk up a string of victories that placed him at the front of the line to challenge Oleksandr Usyk prior to he lost to Wardley.

Subsequent to Parker's sample showed a positive test during the Wardley bout, allegedly for cocaine, an investigation about the test outcome has been started.

• Parker failed a drug test for an illegal substance.
• The test was conducted via the anti-doping agency on October 25th.
• Joseph Parker now faces a potential ban from the sport.
• Queensberry has issued a comment confirming the adverse finding.
• A review is currently in progress into the matter.