🔗 Share this article Boxer Joseph Parker Could Receive Imminent Ban After Positive Anti-Doping Test The New Zealand heavyweight returned an adverse finding as part of a doping test conducted the very day he faced 11th-round loss versus English fighter Ipswich-born Wardley. The Match and Its Consequences Wardley together with Joseph Parker participated in an intense encounter in London in late October to decide who would become WBO mandatory challenger facing reigning heavyweight king Oleksandr Usyk. The fighter was previously the primary candidate to meet Usyk after putting together a remarkable six consecutive victories, however placed his mandatory challenger status at stake in London and endured an 11th-round stoppage. Failed Examination and Implications A routine test conducted on the boxer through the Voluntary Anti-Doping Agency on the day of the bout came back positive which leaves the 36-year-old with a battle to clear his name. Parker's promotional company issued an announcement stating: "The agency informed everyone involved regarding Joseph Parker returned an adverse finding following a doping test conducted on the 25th October. While the matter is investigated, no further statements are planned for now." Professional History Parker became heavyweight champion in 2016 before he surrendered his WBO belt by unanimous decision versus Anthony Joshua in Cardiff two years later. The fighter has been a frequent visitor in the UK after that, having eight matches altogether in Britain and relocating to Dublin for fight camps under highly regarded trainer former champion Lee over the past few years. Latest Events Guided by Lee, Parker bounced back from his defeat in 2022 to Joe Joyce to achieve multiple wins positioning him as the top contender to face Oleksandr Usyk prior to he lost to the British fighter. Following Parker returned a positive test on the day of the Wardley fight, allegedly for cocaine, an inquiry about the test outcome has commenced. The boxer failed a drug test for an illegal substance. The test took place through Vada on the fight day. The fighter could receive a possible suspension from boxing. Queensberry has issued a comment acknowledging the failed examination. An investigation is now in progress regarding the case.