🔗 Share this article New Zealand's Joseph Parker Could Receive Potential Disqualification Following Positive Anti-Doping Test Joseph Parker tested positive as part of a anti-doping examination administered the same day he faced 11th-round defeat to English fighter Ipswich-born Wardley. The Match Plus the Implications The British boxer along with Parker were part of a pulsating bout staged in the UK capital on 25 October to decide who would become WBO mandatory challenger to reigning heavyweight king Oleksandr Usyk. The fighter had been the leading contender to challenge Oleksandr Usyk subsequent to stringing together a remarkable six consecutive victories, yet put his contender position in jeopardy in the UK and experienced an 11th-round stoppage. Positive Test Plus Possible Outcomes A standard screening given to Parker by the anti-doping organization on the day of the bout showed an adverse result which leaves the 36-year-old in a difficult position to prove his innocence. Parker's promotional company released an announcement stating: "The agency alerted all relevant parties that Joseph Parker returned an adverse finding subsequent to a drug screening conducted on the 25th October. During the ongoing inquiry, no further statements are forthcoming at this time." Career Background Joseph Parker became world champion in 2016 prior to he was defeated for his WBO belt by unanimous decision versus British star Joshua at the Millennium Stadium two years later. The fighter became a frequent visitor in the UK from that point, having eight matches overall in the UK and relocating to Dublin for training camps under highly regarded trainer Andy Lee over the past few years. Current Situation Under the tutelage of Lee, Parker bounced back from his 2022 loss versus Joe Joyce to secure a string of victories that placed him front of the queue to meet the champion prior to he suffered defeat to Wardley. After Parker's sample showed a positive test on the day of the Wardley fight, allegedly for cocaine, an inquiry about the test outcome is underway. The boxer failed a drug test for a prohibited substance. The screening was administered via the anti-doping agency on the fight day. The fighter is confronting a possible suspension from competition. Queensberry published an announcement addressing the failed examination. A review has been underway into the matter.