🔗 Share this article Joseph Parker Faces Imminent Disqualification Following Positive Anti-Doping Test The New Zealand heavyweight tested positive in a drugs test administered on the day he faced 11th-round defeat versus UK boxer Ipswich-born Wardley. The Bout Along with Its Stakes Fabio Wardley along with Parker participated in an intense encounter in London last October to decide who would become WBO mandatory challenger to unified heavyweight titleholder Ukrainian champion Usyk. The fighter was previously the leading contender to face Oleksandr Usyk following stringing together an impressive six consecutive victories, however put his mandatory challenger status on the line in London and suffered a stoppage in round eleven. Failed Examination Along with Potential Consequences A routine test administered to Joseph Parker through the anti-doping organization on the day of the bout returned positive and now leaves Parker facing a challenge to prove his innocence. Parker's promotional company published an announcement stating: "Vada informed all relevant parties that Joseph Parker had a positive result subsequent to an anti-doping test carried out on October 25th. As the investigation continues, no additional comment will be made currently." Professional History Joseph Parker became world champion six years ago until he was defeated for his WBO belt by unanimous decision versus British star Joshua in Cardiff two years later. The fighter has been a frequent visitor across the United Kingdom since then, competing in eight bouts overall on UK territory and moving to Dublin for fight camps under respected coach former champion Lee in recent years. Latest Events Coached by Andy Lee, Parker recovered from his 2022 loss versus Joe Joyce to achieve several successes which put him at the front of the line to challenge the champion until he suffered defeat against Wardley. After the boxer produced an adverse finding during the Wardley bout, reportedly involving cocaine, a probe into the findings has been started. The boxer returned an adverse finding for a prohibited substance. The screening was administered through Vada on the fight day. The fighter is confronting a potential ban from the sport. His promotional team published an announcement acknowledging the positive test. An investigation is currently underway into the matter.