Joseph Parker Faces Imminent Disqualification Due to Failed Anti-Doping Test

Former world champion Parker returned an adverse finding in a doping test administered on the day he fought in 11th-round defeat versus UK boxer Fabio Wardley.

The Fight Along with Its Consequences

Fabio Wardley and the New Zealander engaged in an intense encounter held in London on 25 October to establish who would become next in line for the WBO against undisputed world heavyweight champion Oleksandr Usyk.

Parker had positioned himself as next in line to challenge Usyk after stringing together an impressive six-fight winning streak, but put his mandatory challenger status on the line during the bout and suffered a stoppage in round eleven.

Adverse Finding Along with Possible Outcomes

A standard screening administered to the boxer via the anti-doping organization the day he fought returned positive and now leaves the 36-year-old in a difficult position to demonstrate his cleanliness.

Parker's promotional company released a communique stating: "The anti-doping body alerted everyone involved about Parker tested positive after an anti-doping test administered on the 25th October. During the ongoing inquiry, no more comments will be made currently."

Career Background

The New Zealand boxer became heavyweight champion back in 2016 before he was defeated for the WBO title through a points decision versus British star Joshua in Cardiff 24 months later.

The fighter remained a frequent visitor on British soil after that, fighting eight times altogether on UK territory and transferring to Dublin for fight camps under respected coach former champion Lee during this period.

Latest Events

Coached by Andy Lee, Joseph Parker recovered from his 2022 loss versus Joe Joyce to achieve multiple wins which put him at the front of the line to face Oleksandr Usyk prior to he lost to Wardley.

Following Parker returned a failed test during the Wardley bout, reportedly for cocaine, a probe about the test outcome has been started.

• Parker failed a drug test for a banned substance.
• The test was administered via the anti-doping agency on October 25th.
• The fighter is confronting disciplinary action from competition.
• His promotional team has issued a statement addressing the adverse finding.
• An investigation has been underway regarding the case.