🔗 Share this article Boxer Joseph Parker Faces Imminent Ban After Positive Drugs Test Former world champion Parker tested positive during a anti-doping examination conducted the very day he faced 11th-round loss to UK boxer Ipswich-born Wardley. The Match and Its Stakes Fabio Wardley together with Joseph Parker were part of a pulsating contest in London on 25 October to establish who would become WBO mandatory challenger against undisputed world heavyweight champion Oleksandr Usyk. The fighter had positioned himself as next in line to meet Usyk following stringing together a remarkable six consecutive victories, yet risked his shot at the title on the line in London and suffered a stoppage in round eleven. Failed Examination and Possible Outcomes A standard screening conducted on the boxer through the anti-doping organization the day of the match came back positive which leaves Parker facing a challenge to clear his name. His promotion team published an announcement which read: "The agency alerted all required parties about Parker returned an adverse finding following a doping test administered on the 25th October. While the matter is investigated, no more comments will be made currently." Professional History The New Zealand boxer was crowned heavyweight champion back in 2016 prior to he was defeated for the WBO title by unanimous decision against British star Joshua in Cardiff two years later. Joseph Parker remained an active participant across the United Kingdom after that, fighting eight times overall in the UK and relocating to the Irish capital for preparation under esteemed mentor Andy Lee over the past few years. Current Situation Guided by Lee, the boxer recovered from his defeat in 2022 to British heavyweight Joyce to achieve multiple wins which put him at the front of the line to meet the champion prior to he suffered defeat against Wardley. Subsequent to Parker's sample showed an adverse finding during the Wardley bout, reportedly for cocaine, a probe regarding the results has been started. Joseph Parker returned an adverse finding for a prohibited substance. The screening was conducted via the anti-doping agency the day of the bout. Parker could receive disciplinary action from the sport. Queensberry released a statement addressing the adverse finding. A formal inquiry is currently underway into the matter.