🔗 Share this article Boxer Joseph Parker Faces Potential Disqualification Due to Failed Doping Test The New Zealand heavyweight produced a positive sample in a anti-doping examination administered the same day of his 11th-round loss versus UK boxer Fabio Wardley. The Match Plus the Stakes The British boxer together with Parker engaged in an intense encounter staged in the UK capital on 25 October to decide the identity of the next in line for the WBO against unified heavyweight titleholder Oleksandr Usyk. The fighter was previously the primary candidate to face Usyk after putting together an impressive six-fight winning streak, however put his contender position at stake in the UK and experienced a stoppage in round eleven. Positive Test and Implications A standard screening administered to the boxer by Vada on the day of the bout came back positive and leaves the veteran boxer facing a challenge to demonstrate his cleanliness. The boxer's representatives issued an announcement stating: "The agency alerted all relevant parties regarding Joseph Parker tested positive subsequent to a drug screening carried out on October 25th. During the ongoing inquiry, no further statements are planned for now." Boxing Journey Joseph Parker was crowned titleholder back in 2016 prior to he surrendered his WBO belt via unanimous decision to Anthony Joshua at the Millennium Stadium 24 months later. Parker remained an active participant across the United Kingdom from that point, fighting eight times in total in the UK and moving to Ireland for fight camps with highly regarded trainer Andy Lee over the past few years. Recent Developments Guided by Lee, Joseph Parker bounced back from his 2022 loss to Joe Joyce to chalk up a string of victories which put him as the top contender to face the champion before he suffered defeat to the British fighter. Following the boxer produced a failed test during the Wardley bout, allegedly for cocaine, an inquiry about the test outcome has been started. Joseph Parker failed a drug test for an illegal substance. The screening was conducted through Vada on the fight day. The fighter could receive a possible suspension from competition. His representatives published an announcement confirming the adverse finding. An investigation is now ongoing about the situation.