🔗 Share this article Joseph Parker Confronts Potential Ban After Failed Drugs Test Joseph Parker tested positive as part of a anti-doping examination carried out on the day he faced 11th-round defeat to British heavyweight Fabio Wardley. The Fight Along with Its Consequences Fabio Wardley along with Joseph Parker engaged in an intense contest held in London last October to establish who would become next in line for the WBO facing unified heavyweight titleholder Oleksandr Usyk. Parker was previously the leading contender to challenge Usyk subsequent to stringing together a notable six-fight winning streak, but put his mandatory challenger status on the line in London and suffered an 11th-round defeat. Adverse Finding Along with Potential Consequences An ordinary examination given to the boxer by the anti-doping organization on the day of the bout came back positive and leaves the veteran boxer in a difficult position to demonstrate his cleanliness. Parker's promotional company published a statement which read: "The anti-doping body notified everyone involved about Parker returned an adverse finding after a drug screening conducted on the fight day. During the ongoing inquiry, no further statements are planned at this time." Career Background The New Zealand boxer was crowned world champion in 2016 until he lost his WBO belt by unanimous decision versus Anthony Joshua in Wales in 2018. Joseph Parker remained a regular competitor in the UK since then, competing in eight bouts altogether on UK territory and relocating to the Irish capital for fight camps alongside respected coach Andy Lee during this period. Recent Developments Under the tutelage of Lee, the boxer bounced back from the 2022 setback to Joe Joyce to chalk up several successes positioning him at the front of the line to challenge the champion until he lost against Wardley. Subsequent to Parker returned a failed test when he fought Wardley, reportedly involving cocaine, an inquiry regarding the results is underway. The boxer tested positive for a banned substance. The test took place by Vada on the fight day. Joseph Parker now faces a possible suspension from the sport. Queensberry has issued a comment acknowledging the failed examination. A review has been in progress regarding the case.