🔗 Share this article Joseph Parker Could Receive Potential Suspension Due to Positive Drugs Test Joseph Parker returned an adverse finding during a anti-doping examination administered on the day of his 11th-round stoppage against UK boxer Ipswich-born Wardley. The Match and Its Consequences Fabio Wardley along with the New Zealander were part of a pulsating contest held in London in late October to determine who would become next in line for the WBO to undisputed world heavyweight champion Oleksandr Usyk. Parker had positioned himself as the leading contender to challenge Oleksandr Usyk following stringing together an impressive six consecutive victories, however placed his shot at the title at stake in London and endured a stoppage in round eleven. Failed Examination Along with Potential Consequences An ordinary examination given to Parker through the Voluntary Anti-Doping Agency the day of the match came back positive and leaves Parker in a difficult position to prove his innocence. Parker's promotional company published an announcement declaring: "The agency alerted all required parties regarding Joseph Parker returned an adverse finding following an anti-doping test carried out on the 25th October. During the ongoing inquiry, no additional comment are forthcoming at this time." Career Background Parker earned the title of heavyweight champion six years ago before he was defeated for the WBO title by unanimous decision against British star Joshua at the Millennium Stadium two years later. Parker has been a regular competitor across the United Kingdom from that point, competing in eight bouts overall on UK territory and moving to Dublin for preparation with respected coach Andy Lee over the past few years. Latest Events Under the tutelage of Lee, Parker bounced back from his 2022 loss to Joe Joyce to achieve multiple wins that placed him front of the queue to challenge Usyk until he was defeated to Wardley. After Parker returned an adverse finding when he fought Wardley, reportedly for cocaine, a probe about the test outcome has been started. Parker returned an adverse finding for a banned substance. The screening was administered through Vada the day of the bout. Parker now faces a potential ban from boxing. Queensberry has issued a comment acknowledging the failed examination. A review is currently underway about the situation.