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Former world champion Parker produced a positive sample during a anti-doping examination carried out on the day of his 11th-round stoppage against UK boxer Ipswich-born Wardley.

The Bout Plus the Consequences

The British boxer along with Joseph Parker were part of an intense encounter staged in the UK capital last October to establish the identity of the mandatory WBO contender against unified heavyweight titleholder Oleksandr Usyk.

Joseph Parker was previously the primary candidate to face Oleksandr Usyk following compiling an impressive six wins in a row, but placed his shot at the title on the line in the UK and endured a stoppage in round eleven.

Adverse Finding Along with Potential Consequences

A standard screening administered to Joseph Parker through Vada the day he fought came back positive and now leaves Parker with a battle to demonstrate his cleanliness.

Parker's promotional company published a statement which read: "The agency informed all required parties that Joseph Parker had a positive result following a drug screening carried out on the fight day. While the matter is investigated, no additional comment are planned at this time."

Professional History

The New Zealand boxer earned the title of world champion back in 2016 before he surrendered his WBO belt via unanimous decision versus Anthony Joshua in Cardiff two years later.

The fighter became a regular competitor on British soil since then, fighting eight times overall in Britain and transferring to the Irish capital for preparation with highly regarded trainer former champion Lee over the past few years.

Current Situation

Guided by Lee, Joseph Parker overcame the 2022 setback versus British heavyweight Joyce to secure a string of victories which put him as the top contender to face Usyk prior to he was defeated to Wardley.

After Parker returned a positive test during the Wardley bout, reportedly involving cocaine, an investigation regarding the results has commenced.

• The boxer failed a drug test for a prohibited substance.
• The screening was conducted via the anti-doping agency on the fight day.
• Joseph Parker is confronting disciplinary action from boxing.
• His promotional team released a comment confirming the positive test.
• A review has been ongoing about the situation.