🔗 Share this article New Zealand's Joseph Parker Faces Possible Ban After Positive Anti-Doping Test The New Zealand heavyweight produced a positive sample in a drugs test administered the same day he faced 11th-round loss against English fighter Fabio Wardley. The Fight and Its Stakes Fabio Wardley and Joseph Parker engaged in an intense bout in London last October to establish the identity of the mandatory WBO contender against reigning heavyweight king Oleksandr Usyk. Joseph Parker was previously the primary candidate to meet the champion after putting together a notable six wins in a row, yet put his contender position on the line in the UK and suffered an 11th-round stoppage. Failed Examination Along with Implications A standard screening conducted on Parker via Vada the day of the match came back positive and now leaves the 36-year-old with a battle to demonstrate his cleanliness. Parker's promotional company published a communique which read: "The anti-doping body notified all relevant parties regarding Joseph Parker tested positive following a drug screening conducted on the 25th October. As the investigation continues, no more comments will be made at this time." Boxing Journey Parker was crowned world champion six years ago until he surrendered his WBO belt through a points decision to Anthony Joshua in Wales 24 months later. Parker became an active participant across the United Kingdom from that point, having eight matches in total in Britain and transferring to Ireland for training camps with esteemed mentor Andy Lee in recent years. Current Situation Coached by Andy Lee, Joseph Parker bounced back from the 2022 setback versus Joe Joyce to chalk up multiple wins that placed him front of the queue to meet Oleksandr Usyk prior to he lost against Wardley. Subsequent to the boxer produced an adverse finding when he fought Wardley, reportedly for cocaine, a probe into the findings is underway. Joseph Parker failed a drug test for a prohibited substance. The test was administered through Vada on the fight day. The fighter now faces a possible suspension from boxing. Queensberry released a comment confirming the adverse finding. A formal inquiry has been underway into the matter.