🔗 Share this article Joseph Parker Faces Potential Disqualification Following Positive Doping Test Joseph Parker returned an adverse finding as part of a anti-doping examination carried out the same day he faced 11th-round defeat versus British heavyweight Ipswich-born Wardley. The Fight Plus the Implications Wardley together with Parker were part of an intense contest staged in the UK capital on 25 October to establish who would become WBO mandatory challenger facing unified heavyweight titleholder Oleksandr Usyk. Joseph Parker had positioned himself as the primary candidate to meet the champion after putting together a notable six-fight winning streak, but put his contender position at stake in the UK and endured a stoppage in round eleven. Adverse Finding Plus Potential Consequences An ordinary examination administered to Parker via the Voluntary Anti-Doping Agency the day of the match came back positive which leaves the 36-year-old in a difficult position to clear his name. Parker's promotional company issued a statement which read: "The anti-doping body alerted everyone involved about Parker returned an adverse finding following a drug screening conducted on the fight day. While the matter is investigated, no additional comment will be made for now." Boxing Journey Joseph Parker was crowned heavyweight champion in 2016 until he lost the WBO title via unanimous decision against Anthony Joshua in Wales two years later. Parker has been a regular competitor in the UK since then, having eight matches in total in the UK and transferring to the Irish capital for preparation under highly regarded trainer former champion Lee in recent years. Recent Developments Under the tutelage of Lee, Parker overcame his 2022 loss to Joe Joyce to secure several successes which put him as the top contender to meet Oleksandr Usyk until he suffered defeat to Wardley. Subsequent to Parker's sample showed a failed test on the day of the Wardley fight, reportedly involving cocaine, an inquiry about the test outcome has been started. The boxer tested positive for an illegal substance. The screening was conducted via the anti-doping agency on October 25th. Joseph Parker could receive a possible suspension from the sport. His promotional team released a statement confirming the positive test. A review has been ongoing regarding the case.