🔗 Share this article Boxer Joseph Parker Faces Possible Suspension Due to Positive Drugs Test The New Zealand heavyweight produced a positive sample during a drugs test administered the same day he fought in 11th-round loss to English fighter Fabio Wardley. The Fight and Its Stakes Wardley and the New Zealander engaged in a thrilling encounter in London on 25 October to determine who would become next in line for the WBO to undisputed world heavyweight champion Oleksandr Usyk. Joseph Parker had been next in line to meet the champion following compiling an impressive six consecutive victories, but placed his shot at the title at stake in the UK and experienced an 11th-round stoppage. Adverse Finding and Possible Outcomes A routine test administered to the boxer via Vada the day of the match returned positive which leaves the 36-year-old with a battle to clear his name. His promotion team published a statement which read: "Vada alerted all relevant parties that Joseph Parker had a positive result subsequent to an anti-doping test administered on the fight day. While the matter is investigated, no more comments are forthcoming currently." Career Background Parker was crowned world champion back in 2016 before he surrendered his WBO belt through a points decision against Anthony Joshua at the Millennium Stadium two years later. Parker remained a frequent visitor in the UK after that, fighting eight times in total in Britain and relocating to Dublin for training camps under esteemed mentor former champion Lee during this period. Current Situation Guided by Lee, the boxer recovered from his 2022 loss to British heavyweight Joyce to achieve multiple wins which put him front of the queue to face Usyk until he lost to Wardley. After Parker returned an adverse finding when he fought Wardley, reportedly for cocaine, a probe regarding the results is underway. Parker returned an adverse finding for a prohibited substance. The test was administered via the anti-doping agency on October 25th. The fighter is confronting a possible suspension from competition. His promotional team released a statement addressing the failed examination. A formal inquiry is now underway about the situation.