🔗 Share this article New Zealand's Joseph Parker Confronts Imminent Suspension Following Positive Anti-Doping Test Former world champion Parker returned an adverse finding during a doping test conducted the same day he faced 11th-round defeat to UK boxer Fabio Wardley. The Bout Plus the Stakes Fabio Wardley along with Parker were part of an intense encounter in London on 25 October to decide the identity of the WBO mandatory challenger to unified heavyweight titleholder Oleksandr Usyk. Joseph Parker was previously the leading contender to face the champion after stringing together an impressive six-fight winning streak, however placed his mandatory challenger status at stake in London and experienced an 11th-round defeat. Positive Test and Implications A standard screening administered to Parker by the Voluntary Anti-Doping Agency the day he fought showed an adverse result which leaves the veteran boxer facing a challenge to clear his name. The boxer's representatives published a communique stating: "The agency informed all relevant parties that Joseph Parker returned an adverse finding after an anti-doping test carried out on October 25th. As the investigation continues, no further statements are forthcoming currently." Boxing Journey Joseph Parker was crowned world champion in 2016 prior to he was defeated for his championship belt by unanimous decision to British star Joshua in Wales 24 months later. Parker has been a frequent visitor on British soil after that, fighting eight times overall on UK territory and moving to Ireland for training camps under respected coach Andy Lee during this period. Latest Events Coached by Andy Lee, the boxer overcame his defeat in 2022 against Joe Joyce to achieve a string of victories that placed him front of the queue to challenge Oleksandr Usyk prior to he suffered defeat to Wardley. Following Parker's sample showed a failed test on the day of the Wardley fight, reportedly for cocaine, an inquiry regarding the results has commenced. Joseph Parker failed a drug test for a banned substance. The examination was conducted through Vada on October 25th. Joseph Parker now faces a potential ban from boxing. His promotional team published a statement acknowledging the failed examination. An investigation has been in progress about the situation.