🔗 Share this article Boxer Joseph Parker Faces Imminent Suspension Following Failed Anti-Doping Test The New Zealand heavyweight returned an adverse finding during a drugs test conducted the very day of his 11th-round loss to British heavyweight Fabio Wardley. The Bout Along with Its Stakes Wardley along with the New Zealander engaged in an intense contest held in London last October to decide who would become next in line for the WBO facing undisputed world heavyweight champion Oleksandr Usyk. Parker was previously the primary candidate to meet Usyk after stringing together a remarkable six-fight winning streak, but placed his contender position at stake during the bout and experienced an 11th-round defeat. Adverse Finding and Potential Consequences A standard screening administered to Parker via the anti-doping organization the day of the match returned positive and leaves the 36-year-old with a battle to prove his innocence. Parker's promotional company released a communique stating: "Vada informed all required parties that Joseph Parker tested positive subsequent to an anti-doping test administered on the fight day. During the ongoing inquiry, no further statements are forthcoming currently." Career Background Parker earned the title of heavyweight champion in 2016 prior to he was defeated for his championship belt by unanimous decision versus British star Joshua in Wales two years later. Parker remained a regular competitor in the UK since then, fighting eight times altogether in Britain and relocating to Dublin for fight camps with respected coach former champion Lee in recent years. Recent Developments Coached by Andy Lee, Parker overcame the 2022 setback to Joe Joyce to chalk up several successes positioning him as the top contender to face Usyk before he suffered defeat to the British fighter. Subsequent to Parker's sample showed a failed test during the Wardley bout, reportedly for cocaine, an investigation into the findings has commenced. The boxer returned an adverse finding for an illegal substance. The screening took place through Vada on the fight day. Parker is confronting a potential ban from the sport. Queensberry has issued a statement confirming the failed examination. An investigation has been ongoing about the situation.