Joseph Parker Faces Possible Disqualification Due to Positive Drugs Test

Joseph Parker returned an adverse finding during a drugs test carried out the same day of his 11th-round stoppage to British heavyweight Ipswich-born Wardley.

The Match and Its Stakes

Wardley along with the New Zealander were part of an intense encounter staged in the UK capital last October to determine who would become mandatory WBO contender to undisputed world heavyweight champion Oleksandr Usyk.

The fighter was previously the primary candidate to meet Oleksandr Usyk subsequent to putting together a notable six-fight winning streak, however placed his shot at the title on the line in the UK and endured an 11th-round defeat.

Adverse Finding Plus Possible Outcomes

A routine test administered to the boxer by the Voluntary Anti-Doping Agency the day he fought came back positive and leaves the veteran boxer facing a challenge to demonstrate his cleanliness.

His promotion team released a communique stating: "Vada alerted everyone involved about Parker tested positive following a drug screening administered on October 25th. While the matter is investigated, no additional comment are planned currently."

Professional History

Joseph Parker earned the title of world champion back in 2016 prior to he surrendered his WBO belt via unanimous decision against Anthony Joshua at the Millennium Stadium in 2018.

Joseph Parker remained a regular competitor across the United Kingdom from that point, fighting eight times overall in Britain and transferring to Dublin for training camps alongside esteemed mentor Andy Lee in recent years.

Recent Developments

Coached by Andy Lee, Joseph Parker recovered from his defeat in 2022 against British heavyweight Joyce to secure a string of victories that placed him front of the queue to face Oleksandr Usyk until he lost to the British fighter.

Subsequent to Parker returned an adverse finding during the Wardley bout, allegedly for cocaine, an inquiry into the findings is underway.

• Parker returned an adverse finding for a prohibited substance.
• The test took place through Vada on the fight day.
• Joseph Parker now faces a possible suspension from competition.
• Queensberry has issued a comment confirming the adverse finding.
• An investigation has been ongoing into the matter.