🔗 Share this article Joseph Parker Could Receive Imminent Ban Following Positive Doping Test The New Zealand heavyweight tested positive as part of a anti-doping examination carried out the same day he faced 11th-round loss to English fighter Ipswich-born Wardley. The Fight and Its Stakes Wardley along with Joseph Parker engaged in a thrilling contest staged in the UK capital last October to determine the identity of the WBO mandatory challenger facing undisputed world heavyweight champion Oleksandr Usyk. Joseph Parker had positioned himself as the primary candidate to face the champion following compiling a remarkable six-fight winning streak, however risked his mandatory challenger status on the line during the bout and suffered an 11th-round defeat. Adverse Finding Along with Potential Consequences A routine test given to Joseph Parker via the Voluntary Anti-Doping Agency the day he fought came back positive and now leaves the veteran boxer with a battle to clear his name. Parker's promotional company published a communique declaring: "Vada alerted all relevant parties about Parker had a positive result after an anti-doping test carried out on the 25th October. While the matter is investigated, no further statements are planned currently." Boxing Journey Parker was crowned world champion back in 2016 before he was defeated for his championship belt through a points decision against Anthony Joshua in Wales in 2018. Joseph Parker became a regular competitor on British soil since then, having eight matches altogether on UK territory and moving to Dublin for preparation with highly regarded trainer Andy Lee over the past few years. Recent Developments Guided by Lee, Parker recovered from the 2022 setback against Joe Joyce to secure multiple wins which put him front of the queue to face Oleksandr Usyk before he suffered defeat to the British fighter. After the boxer produced an adverse finding when he fought Wardley, reportedly for cocaine, an investigation into the findings has been started. Parker tested positive for an illegal substance. The examination was conducted by Vada the day of the bout. Parker is confronting disciplinary action from the sport. Queensberry has issued a comment confirming the failed examination. A formal inquiry is now in progress about the situation.