đź”— Share this article Joseph Parker Confronts Potential Ban Due to Positive Anti-Doping Test Joseph Parker tested positive during a drugs test conducted on the day he faced 11th-round stoppage to English fighter Ipswich-born Wardley. The Bout and Its Stakes The British boxer and Parker were part of a thrilling encounter in London in late October to determine the next WBO mandatory challenger to unified heavyweight titleholder Ukrainian champion Usyk. The fighter had been the leading contender to challenge Oleksandr Usyk subsequent to stringing together a remarkable six wins in a row, but placed his mandatory challenger status at stake in the UK and experienced a stoppage in round eleven. Failed Examination and Potential Consequences A standard screening administered to Parker through the anti-doping organization the day of the match returned positive which leaves the veteran boxer in a difficult position to prove his innocence. Parker's promotional company issued a communique declaring: "The agency alerted everyone involved that Joseph Parker tested positive subsequent to an anti-doping test conducted on the fight day. While the matter is investigated, no more comments are forthcoming for now." Professional History Parker earned the title of world champion back in 2016 until he was defeated for his championship belt via unanimous decision to Anthony Joshua in Wales in 2018. The fighter remained a regular competitor in the UK since then, fighting eight times altogether in the UK and transferring to Dublin for preparation with highly regarded trainer Andy Lee in recent years. Latest Events Guided by Lee, the boxer overcame his 2022 loss to Joe Joyce to achieve several successes positioning him at the front of the line to meet the champion before he suffered defeat to Wardley. Subsequent to Parker's sample showed an adverse finding during the Wardley bout, reportedly involving cocaine, a probe about the test outcome has commenced. Joseph Parker failed a drug test for an illegal substance. The test was administered by Vada on October 25th. The fighter is confronting disciplinary action from boxing. His promotional team published a statement acknowledging the positive test. A formal inquiry is currently ongoing into the matter.