🔗 Share this article New Zealand's Joseph Parker Faces Potential Disqualification Following Failed Drugs Test Former world champion Parker returned an adverse finding in a doping test carried out the very day of his 11th-round stoppage versus English fighter Fabio Wardley. The Match Along with Its Implications Wardley and Parker were part of a pulsating encounter in London on 25 October to determine the next WBO mandatory challenger facing reigning heavyweight king Oleksandr Usyk. Parker was previously the leading contender to face the champion following compiling an impressive six-fight winning streak, yet risked his shot at the title on the line in the UK and suffered an 11th-round defeat. Positive Test Plus Possible Outcomes A standard screening given to Parker via the anti-doping organization the day he fought returned positive and now leaves the veteran boxer in a difficult position to clear his name. His promotion team published a communique declaring: "The agency informed all required parties that Joseph Parker tested positive after a doping test administered on the 25th October. As the investigation continues, no additional comment are forthcoming currently." Career Background The New Zealand boxer was crowned heavyweight champion back in 2016 before he lost the WBO title through a points decision to Anthony Joshua at the Millennium Stadium 24 months later. The fighter has been an active participant on British soil from that point, having eight matches altogether in the UK and transferring to Dublin for training camps under highly regarded trainer Andy Lee over the past few years. Current Situation Coached by Andy Lee, the boxer bounced back from his defeat in 2022 versus Joe Joyce to chalk up multiple wins which put him front of the queue to face the champion until he was defeated to the British fighter. Subsequent to Parker's sample showed an adverse finding when he fought Wardley, reportedly involving cocaine, an inquiry regarding the results is underway. The boxer returned an adverse finding for a prohibited substance. The examination was conducted by Vada on October 25th. The fighter could receive a possible suspension from boxing. His promotional team published a statement acknowledging the adverse finding. A formal inquiry is now ongoing about the situation.