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

Former world champion Parker produced a positive sample during a drugs test conducted on the day he faced 11th-round loss versus UK boxer Ipswich-born Wardley.

The Bout Along with Its Stakes

The British boxer along with the New Zealander were part of a pulsating contest in London on 25 October to determine who would become mandatory WBO contender to undisputed world heavyweight champion Oleksandr Usyk.

Parker had positioned himself as the primary candidate to meet Oleksandr Usyk subsequent to compiling a notable six wins in a row, yet put his mandatory challenger status on the line during the bout and endured an 11th-round defeat.

Failed Examination Plus Potential Consequences

A standard screening conducted on the boxer through the Voluntary Anti-Doping Agency the day he fought came back positive and leaves the veteran boxer with a battle to clear his name.

His promotion team published an announcement which read: "Vada informed all relevant parties about Parker returned an adverse finding subsequent to a drug screening administered on the fight day. During the ongoing inquiry, no additional comment are planned currently."

Career Background

Joseph Parker earned the title of titleholder back in 2016 before he was defeated for his championship belt via unanimous decision to British star Joshua in Wales two years later.

Parker became a regular competitor across the United Kingdom from that point, competing in eight bouts in total on UK territory and transferring to the Irish capital for preparation with esteemed mentor Andy Lee in recent years.

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Under the tutelage of Lee, Parker recovered from his 2022 loss to Joe Joyce to secure multiple wins that placed him front of the queue to face the champion until he suffered defeat to the British fighter.

Subsequent to Parker's sample showed a failed test during the Wardley bout, reportedly for cocaine, a probe into the findings has been started.

• Joseph Parker returned an adverse finding for a banned substance.
• The test was administered by Vada on the fight day.
• The fighter now faces disciplinary action from the sport.
• His promotional team published an announcement confirming the positive test.
• An investigation has been in progress about the situation.