🔗 Share this article Boxer Joseph Parker Confronts Possible Suspension Due to Failed Doping Test Joseph Parker tested positive during a anti-doping examination carried out on the day of his 11th-round defeat against British heavyweight Fabio Wardley. The Bout Plus the Stakes The British boxer along with the New Zealander engaged in a pulsating contest staged in the UK capital last October to determine the identity of the WBO mandatory challenger against unified heavyweight titleholder Oleksandr Usyk. Parker was previously next in line to challenge the champion following compiling a notable six consecutive victories, however put his shot at the title at stake in the UK and suffered a stoppage in round eleven. Failed Examination and Potential Consequences A routine test given to Parker by Vada the day of the match showed an adverse result which leaves the 36-year-old facing a challenge to demonstrate his cleanliness. His promotion team published a communique stating: "The agency informed all relevant parties about Parker had a positive result subsequent to a doping test administered on October 25th. While the matter is investigated, no more comments are forthcoming currently." Boxing Journey Parker was crowned heavyweight champion in 2016 until he lost his championship belt through a points decision against British star Joshua in Cardiff two years later. Joseph Parker became a regular competitor across the United Kingdom since then, competing in eight bouts in total in the UK and transferring to Dublin for fight camps under highly regarded trainer Andy Lee in recent years. Latest Events Under the tutelage of Lee, Parker bounced back from the 2022 setback versus Joe Joyce to chalk up several successes which put him as the top contender to face the champion until he lost to Wardley. Subsequent to the boxer produced a positive test during the Wardley bout, allegedly for cocaine, an investigation about the test outcome has been started. Joseph Parker returned an adverse finding for a prohibited substance. The examination took place via the anti-doping agency the day of the bout. Joseph Parker is confronting a potential ban from the sport. His representatives has issued a comment acknowledging the failed examination. An investigation has been ongoing about the situation.