🔗 Share this article Joseph Parker Could Receive Potential Disqualification Due to Failed Anti-Doping Test The New Zealand heavyweight produced a positive sample during a doping test carried out on the day of his 11th-round stoppage to British heavyweight Fabio Wardley. The Fight and Its Implications Wardley and the New Zealander were part of a thrilling encounter held in London on 25 October to decide who would become next in line for the WBO to unified heavyweight titleholder Oleksandr Usyk. Parker had positioned himself as the leading contender to face the champion after stringing together a notable six-fight winning streak, yet risked his shot at the title in jeopardy in the UK and experienced a stoppage in round eleven. Positive Test Plus Possible Outcomes A standard screening administered to Joseph Parker through Vada on the day of the bout returned positive and now leaves the veteran boxer with a battle to prove his innocence. His promotion team issued a statement which read: "The anti-doping body informed all relevant parties that Joseph Parker tested positive subsequent to a doping test carried out on the fight day. As the investigation continues, no further statements are forthcoming for now." Career Background Joseph Parker earned the title of world champion in 2016 until he was defeated for his championship belt via unanimous decision versus British star Joshua at the Millennium Stadium 24 months later. Joseph Parker remained a regular competitor in the UK from that point, fighting eight times in total on UK territory and moving to Ireland for fight camps with highly regarded trainer former champion Lee during this period. Current Situation Under the tutelage of Lee, Parker bounced back from his defeat in 2022 to Joe Joyce to achieve several successes which put him at the front of the line to face Usyk before he was defeated to the British fighter. After Parker's sample showed an adverse finding when he fought Wardley, allegedly for cocaine, an inquiry regarding the results has been started. Joseph Parker tested positive for a prohibited substance. The test was conducted through Vada on October 25th. The fighter now faces a possible suspension from competition. His promotional team released a comment confirming the failed examination. A formal inquiry is now ongoing into the matter.