Joseph Parker Confronts Imminent Disqualification After Failed Drugs Test

The New Zealand heavyweight produced a positive sample in a drugs test conducted the very day he fought in 11th-round stoppage against UK boxer Ipswich-born Wardley.

The Match Plus the Stakes

The British boxer together with Joseph Parker participated in a pulsating contest in London on 25 October to determine who would become WBO mandatory challenger facing unified heavyweight titleholder Ukrainian champion Usyk.

The fighter had been the leading contender to meet Usyk following putting together an impressive six consecutive victories, but risked his contender position in jeopardy during the bout and suffered an 11th-round stoppage.

Adverse Finding Along with Potential Consequences

A routine test given to Joseph Parker through the Voluntary Anti-Doping Agency the day he fought returned positive and leaves the 36-year-old in a difficult position to prove his innocence.

His promotion team published a statement declaring: "The agency notified all relevant parties about Parker had a positive result after an anti-doping test administered on October 25th. While the matter is investigated, no more comments will be made currently."

Professional History

The New Zealand boxer became world champion six years ago until he was defeated for his championship belt through a points decision to Anthony Joshua at the Millennium Stadium two years later.

Parker remained a regular competitor on British soil after that, fighting eight times in total in the UK and moving to Dublin for training camps under respected coach Andy Lee during this period.

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Under the tutelage of Lee, Joseph Parker recovered from the 2022 setback against British heavyweight Joyce to secure a string of victories that placed him as the top contender to meet the champion before he suffered defeat to the British fighter.

Subsequent to Parker's sample showed a positive test on the day of the Wardley fight, reportedly for cocaine, an investigation into the findings has been started.

• Joseph Parker tested positive for a banned substance.
• The examination was administered by Vada on October 25th.
• Parker now faces disciplinary action from boxing.
• His promotional team released a comment acknowledging the failed examination.
• An investigation has been ongoing about the situation.