🔗 Share this article New Zealand's Joseph Parker Faces Imminent Disqualification Due to Positive Drugs Test Joseph Parker returned an adverse finding during a doping test carried out the same day he faced 11th-round loss against English fighter Fabio Wardley. The Match Along with Its Implications Wardley and the New Zealander were part of an intense bout staged in the UK capital in late October to decide the next next in line for the WBO against unified heavyweight titleholder Oleksandr Usyk. The fighter had been next in line to face the champion subsequent to compiling a remarkable six-fight winning streak, but placed his mandatory challenger status at stake during the bout and experienced an 11th-round defeat. Failed Examination and Potential Consequences A standard screening administered to Parker by the anti-doping organization on the day of the bout came back positive and now leaves the 36-year-old with a battle to demonstrate his cleanliness. His promotion team published an announcement which read: "The anti-doping body notified all required parties that Joseph Parker tested positive subsequent to a drug screening administered on October 25th. During the ongoing inquiry, no further statements are planned for now." Boxing Journey Parker earned the title of titleholder six years ago prior to he lost his championship belt through a points decision against Anthony Joshua in Wales in 2018. Parker has been a regular competitor on British soil from that point, competing in eight bouts overall in the UK and relocating to Dublin for preparation under highly regarded trainer Andy Lee in recent years. Latest Events Coached by Andy Lee, Parker recovered from the 2022 setback versus Joe Joyce to secure multiple wins positioning him at the front of the line to meet Oleksandr Usyk before he was defeated to the British fighter. After Parker returned a positive test during the Wardley bout, reportedly involving cocaine, an inquiry about the test outcome has been started. Parker returned an adverse finding for an illegal substance. The test took place through Vada the day of the bout. Parker now faces a potential ban from the sport. His promotional team published a comment confirming the positive test. A formal inquiry has been ongoing into the matter.