New Zealand's Joseph Parker Faces Potential Disqualification Due to Failed Drugs Test

The New Zealand heavyweight produced a positive sample during a drugs test carried out the very day he fought in 11th-round stoppage to English fighter Ipswich-born Wardley.

The Match and Its Stakes

Wardley along with Parker were part of an intense contest in London in late October to decide who would become mandatory WBO contender facing unified heavyweight titleholder Oleksandr Usyk.

Parker was previously the primary candidate to challenge the champion following stringing together an impressive six-fight winning streak, yet put his shot at the title at stake during the bout and suffered an 11th-round stoppage.

Failed Examination Plus Implications

A routine test administered to Parker through the Voluntary Anti-Doping Agency the day of the match showed an adverse result and leaves Parker facing a challenge to demonstrate his cleanliness.

His promotion team released a communique which read: "The anti-doping body notified everyone involved about Parker returned an adverse finding subsequent to an anti-doping test conducted on the 25th October. As the investigation continues, no additional comment will be made for now."

Professional History

Joseph Parker was crowned heavyweight champion six years ago before he lost his WBO belt through a points decision to Anthony Joshua at the Millennium Stadium in 2018.

The fighter remained a regular competitor on British soil after that, having eight matches altogether in Britain and transferring to the Irish capital for fight camps under esteemed mentor Andy Lee during this period.

Recent Developments

Guided by Lee, the boxer overcame the 2022 setback to British heavyweight Joyce to secure a string of victories positioning him at the front of the line to meet Usyk before he was defeated against Wardley.

Following Parker's sample showed an adverse finding when he fought Wardley, reportedly for cocaine, a probe into the findings has been started.

• Joseph Parker tested positive for a banned substance.
• The screening took place by Vada on the fight day.
• Parker is confronting disciplinary action from the sport.
• His representatives published an announcement addressing the failed examination.
• A review is now ongoing about the situation.