🔗 Share this article New Zealand's Joseph Parker Confronts Imminent Disqualification After Positive Anti-Doping Test Joseph Parker returned an adverse finding during a drugs test administered the same day he fought in 11th-round loss versus British heavyweight Fabio Wardley. The Match Plus the Implications Wardley together with Parker participated in a thrilling bout in London on 25 October to establish the next next in line for the WBO to undisputed world heavyweight champion Ukrainian champion Usyk. Parker had positioned himself as the primary candidate to challenge Oleksandr Usyk subsequent to stringing together a notable six wins in a row, yet placed his contender position on the line in the UK and experienced an 11th-round stoppage. Positive Test Along with Possible Outcomes A standard screening conducted on Parker by the anti-doping organization the day of the match returned positive which leaves the 36-year-old in a difficult position to demonstrate his cleanliness. The boxer's representatives released an announcement which read: "The agency notified all relevant parties that Joseph Parker tested positive following a doping test administered on the 25th October. As the investigation continues, no additional comment are planned currently." Career Background Parker was crowned titleholder six years ago before he surrendered his championship belt via unanimous decision against British star Joshua in Cardiff in 2018. Joseph Parker became an active participant in the UK since then, having eight matches altogether on UK territory and relocating to the Irish capital for training camps alongside esteemed mentor Andy Lee during this period. Latest Events Guided by Lee, the boxer recovered from the 2022 setback versus Joe Joyce to achieve several successes positioning him as the top contender to face Usyk before he was defeated against Wardley. Following Parker returned an adverse finding on the day of the Wardley fight, reportedly involving cocaine, a probe into the findings has commenced. Parker returned an adverse finding for a prohibited substance. The test was administered via the anti-doping agency the day of the bout. The fighter is confronting disciplinary action from competition. His representatives published a statement confirming the positive test. An investigation is currently in progress into the matter.