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Joseph Parker tested positive as part of a drugs test conducted the same day he faced 11th-round loss against English fighter Fabio Wardley.

The Match Along with Its Stakes

The British boxer along with the New Zealander were part of a thrilling encounter held in London in late October to decide the identity of the next in line for the WBO facing undisputed world heavyweight champion Ukrainian champion Usyk.

Joseph Parker had positioned himself as the primary candidate to face Usyk after stringing together an impressive six consecutive victories, but put his contender position on the line in the UK and experienced an 11th-round stoppage.

Failed Examination Along with Implications

A standard screening administered to Parker through Vada the day of the match showed an adverse result which leaves the veteran boxer in a difficult position to demonstrate his cleanliness.

The boxer's representatives released a communique declaring: "The anti-doping body informed all required parties that Joseph Parker returned an adverse finding after a drug screening carried out on October 25th. During the ongoing inquiry, no more comments are forthcoming currently."

Professional History

The New Zealand boxer earned the title of titleholder back in 2016 until he was defeated for the WBO title through a points decision to Anthony Joshua at the Millennium Stadium 24 months later.

The fighter became an active participant in the UK after that, competing in eight bouts in total on UK territory and moving to Dublin for preparation alongside highly regarded trainer former champion Lee over the past few years.

Current Situation

Guided by Lee, the boxer recovered from his defeat in 2022 versus Joe Joyce to secure several successes that placed him at the front of the line to face the champion before he was defeated to Wardley.

After Parker's sample showed an adverse finding when he fought Wardley, allegedly for cocaine, a probe about the test outcome has commenced.

• Parker tested positive for a prohibited substance.
• The screening took place through Vada the day of the bout.
• The fighter could receive a potential ban from the sport.
• Queensberry released a statement acknowledging the adverse finding.
• An investigation is currently underway into the matter.