🔗 Share this article New Zealand's Joseph Parker Confronts Potential Suspension After Positive Doping Test Former world champion Parker tested positive as part of a anti-doping examination administered the same day he fought in 11th-round stoppage versus English fighter Fabio Wardley. The Fight Along with Its Stakes Wardley together with the New Zealander engaged in a pulsating bout staged in the UK capital on 25 October to establish the next next in line for the WBO facing reigning heavyweight king Ukrainian champion Usyk. Parker had positioned himself as the primary candidate to face Oleksandr Usyk subsequent to stringing together a notable six-fight winning streak, but put his mandatory challenger status at stake in London and suffered an 11th-round defeat. Failed Examination Along with Potential Consequences A routine test conducted on the boxer by Vada on the day of the bout showed an adverse result and now leaves Parker with a battle to prove his innocence. The boxer's representatives issued a communique which read: "The anti-doping body notified everyone involved about Parker returned an adverse finding subsequent to a drug screening administered on the 25th October. During the ongoing inquiry, no additional comment are forthcoming for now." Career Background Joseph Parker was crowned heavyweight champion back in 2016 until he was defeated for his WBO belt by unanimous decision against Anthony Joshua in Wales in 2018. Parker remained an active participant across the United Kingdom after that, having eight matches overall on UK territory and relocating to Ireland for fight camps alongside esteemed mentor Andy Lee in recent years. Latest Events Under the tutelage of Lee, the boxer bounced back from his defeat in 2022 against Joe Joyce to chalk up multiple wins positioning him as the top contender to challenge Usyk until he was defeated to the British fighter. Subsequent to the boxer produced a failed test when he fought Wardley, reportedly involving cocaine, an investigation regarding the results has commenced. Parker returned an adverse finding for a banned substance. The examination was administered through Vada on October 25th. Parker could receive a potential ban from the sport. Queensberry published an announcement acknowledging the positive test. An investigation has been ongoing regarding the case.