🔗 Share this article New Zealand's Joseph Parker Could Receive Imminent Disqualification Due to Positive Doping Test Joseph Parker tested positive in a doping test conducted the very day he faced 11th-round defeat against English fighter Fabio Wardley. The Match and Its Stakes The British boxer and Parker engaged in a thrilling bout in London in late October to establish the next next in line for the WBO facing reigning heavyweight king Oleksandr Usyk. Joseph Parker had positioned himself as the leading contender to face Oleksandr Usyk subsequent to compiling an impressive six-fight winning streak, yet placed his contender position in jeopardy during the bout and suffered an 11th-round stoppage. Failed Examination and Potential Consequences A routine test conducted on Joseph Parker through the anti-doping organization the day he fought returned positive and now leaves the veteran boxer facing a challenge to demonstrate his cleanliness. His promotion team released an announcement declaring: "The anti-doping body alerted all relevant parties about Parker had a positive result after a doping test carried out on October 25th. As the investigation continues, no further statements will be made for now." Professional History Joseph Parker was crowned titleholder in 2016 prior to he lost his WBO belt via unanimous decision against Anthony Joshua at the Millennium Stadium in 2018. Parker remained a regular competitor on British soil after that, having eight matches overall in Britain and transferring to the Irish capital for fight camps under esteemed mentor Andy Lee in recent years. Recent Developments Under the tutelage of Lee, Joseph Parker bounced back from his 2022 loss against Joe Joyce to secure several successes positioning him front of the queue to challenge the champion prior to he lost to the British fighter. After Parker's sample showed a positive test on the day of the Wardley fight, reportedly for cocaine, an investigation about the test outcome has commenced. Parker failed a drug test for a prohibited substance. The test took place by Vada on October 25th. Parker now faces a possible suspension from competition. His representatives released a comment acknowledging the positive test. A review is now underway regarding the case.