🔗 Share this article Joseph Parker Could Receive Possible Disqualification Following Positive Doping Test The New Zealand heavyweight produced a positive sample as part of a drugs test administered the very day of his 11th-round loss to UK boxer Fabio Wardley. The Fight Plus the Implications Wardley and the New Zealander participated in a thrilling encounter in London in late October to establish the identity of the next in line for the WBO against reigning heavyweight king Oleksandr Usyk. Joseph Parker had positioned himself as next in line to challenge Usyk after stringing together an impressive six consecutive victories, yet risked his mandatory challenger status at stake in the UK and endured an 11th-round stoppage. Positive Test Along with Potential Consequences An ordinary examination given to Parker through Vada the day he fought came back positive and leaves the 36-year-old facing a challenge to clear his name. His promotion team issued a statement which read: "The anti-doping body alerted all relevant parties regarding Joseph Parker returned an adverse finding following a drug screening conducted on October 25th. During the ongoing inquiry, no further statements will be made at this time." Career Background Parker became titleholder six years ago until he lost his championship belt by unanimous decision versus Anthony Joshua in Cardiff two years later. Joseph Parker has been a regular competitor on British soil since then, having eight matches in total on UK territory and relocating to Dublin for fight camps under highly regarded trainer Andy Lee during this period. Recent Developments Guided by Lee, Parker recovered from his 2022 loss to Joe Joyce to chalk up several successes which put him front of the queue to challenge the champion until he lost to Wardley. Following Parker's sample showed an adverse finding during the Wardley bout, reportedly for cocaine, a probe into the findings has been started. The boxer tested positive for a prohibited substance. The examination was conducted via the anti-doping agency on October 25th. Joseph Parker is confronting disciplinary action from boxing. Queensberry released an announcement confirming the adverse finding. An investigation is currently underway about the situation.