🔗 Share this article Boxer Joseph Parker Confronts Potential Disqualification After Failed Drugs Test Former world champion Parker produced a positive sample as part of a anti-doping examination administered the same day he faced 11th-round defeat to UK boxer Ipswich-born Wardley. The Fight Plus the Implications Wardley and Parker were part of an intense contest staged in the UK capital in late October to decide who would become WBO mandatory challenger facing reigning heavyweight king Ukrainian champion Usyk. Parker had positioned himself as the leading contender to meet the champion following putting together an impressive six wins in a row, however put his mandatory challenger status at stake in London and endured an 11th-round stoppage. Failed Examination and Possible Outcomes An ordinary examination administered to Parker through the anti-doping organization the day of the match showed an adverse result which leaves the 36-year-old in a difficult position to demonstrate his cleanliness. The boxer's representatives published an announcement declaring: "Vada informed all relevant parties about Parker returned an adverse finding subsequent to a doping test conducted on the fight day. While the matter is investigated, no additional comment will be made at this time." Professional History Joseph Parker became titleholder in 2016 before he was defeated for his championship belt through a points decision against Anthony Joshua at the Millennium Stadium in 2018. The fighter became a regular competitor in the UK from that point, competing in eight bouts altogether on UK territory and transferring to Ireland for fight camps alongside highly regarded trainer former champion Lee over the past few years. Current Situation Coached by Andy Lee, Parker bounced back from his 2022 loss to Joe Joyce to chalk up several successes that placed him at the front of the line to challenge Oleksandr Usyk prior to he was defeated to the British fighter. Subsequent to Parker returned a failed test when he fought Wardley, allegedly for cocaine, an inquiry about the test outcome has commenced. Joseph Parker tested positive for a banned substance. The screening took place by Vada the day of the bout. Joseph Parker is confronting disciplinary action from the sport. His representatives published a comment confirming the positive test. A formal inquiry is currently in progress into the matter.