Joseph Parker returned an adverse finding during a doping test carried out the very day of his 11th-round defeat against British heavyweight Ipswich-born Wardley.
The Bout Along with Its Stakes
The British boxer along with the New Zealander participated in an intense encounter in London on 25 October to determine who would become next in line for the WBO against reigning heavyweight king Oleksandr Usyk.
The fighter had positioned himself as the leading contender to meet Usyk following stringing together an impressive six-fight winning streak, however risked his mandatory challenger status at stake in the UK and experienced an 11th-round stoppage.
Positive Test Plus Potential Consequences
An ordinary examination conducted on Parker through Vada the day of the match showed an adverse result and now leaves the veteran boxer in a difficult position to demonstrate his cleanliness.
The boxer's representatives issued an announcement stating: "The anti-doping body notified everyone involved that Joseph Parker returned an adverse finding after a drug screening carried out on the 25th October. During the ongoing inquiry, no more comments are planned for now."
Professional History
The New Zealand boxer earned the title of heavyweight champion in 2016 before he was defeated for his WBO belt through a points decision against Anthony Joshua at the Millennium Stadium in 2018.
The fighter has been an active participant in the UK after that, competing in eight bouts in total on UK territory and moving to Ireland for fight camps alongside respected coach Andy Lee over the past few years.
Latest Events
Guided by Lee, Joseph Parker bounced back from his 2022 loss versus Joe Joyce to achieve several successes positioning him front of the queue to challenge Usyk until he was defeated to Wardley.
Following Parker returned a failed test on the day of the Wardley fight, reportedly for cocaine, a probe regarding the results has commenced.
- The boxer failed a drug test for an illegal substance.
- The examination took place through Vada the day of the bout.
- The fighter could receive a possible suspension from competition.
- Queensberry released a comment addressing the positive test.
- A formal inquiry is currently in progress into the matter.
