🔗 Share this article Boxer Joseph Parker Confronts Potential Ban Due to Positive Doping Test The New Zealand heavyweight produced a positive sample as part of a drugs test carried out the same day he fought in 11th-round stoppage to UK boxer Fabio Wardley. The Match Along with Its Implications Fabio Wardley together with Parker were part of an intense encounter held in London on 25 October to decide the next WBO mandatory challenger facing reigning heavyweight king Oleksandr Usyk. Joseph Parker had positioned himself as the primary candidate to meet the champion subsequent to putting together an impressive six-fight winning streak, yet risked his shot at the title in jeopardy in London and endured a stoppage in round eleven. Adverse Finding and Potential Consequences A routine test administered to Joseph Parker through the Voluntary Anti-Doping Agency on the day of the bout returned positive and leaves Parker facing a challenge to clear his name. His promotion team issued a communique stating: "Vada informed all required parties that Joseph Parker had a positive result after a drug screening carried out on the fight day. While the matter is investigated, no more comments will be made at this time." Boxing Journey Parker earned the title of world champion six years ago before he surrendered the WBO title via unanimous decision against Anthony Joshua at the Millennium Stadium two years later. Parker became a regular competitor across the United Kingdom since then, fighting eight times overall on UK territory and relocating to Dublin for training camps alongside highly regarded trainer Andy Lee in recent years. Current Situation Under the tutelage of Lee, Joseph Parker bounced back from his defeat in 2022 versus Joe Joyce to achieve multiple wins that placed him as the top contender to face Usyk before he suffered defeat against Wardley. After Parker returned an adverse finding when he fought Wardley, allegedly for cocaine, a probe into the findings has been started. The boxer tested positive for a prohibited substance. The screening was conducted by Vada on the fight day. The fighter now faces a possible suspension from competition. Queensberry released an announcement confirming the positive test. An investigation has been underway about the situation.