🔗 Share this article Joseph Parker Faces Possible Suspension Following Failed Drugs Test The New Zealand heavyweight produced a positive sample during a drugs test conducted on the day he faced 11th-round defeat versus English fighter Fabio Wardley. The Fight Plus the Stakes Fabio Wardley along with Joseph Parker participated in a thrilling bout held in London last October to decide who would become mandatory WBO contender facing reigning heavyweight king Oleksandr Usyk. The fighter was previously next in line to meet the champion after stringing together an impressive six-fight winning streak, but risked his shot at the title at stake in London and experienced a stoppage in round eleven. Adverse Finding Plus Possible Outcomes A routine test administered to the boxer by the Voluntary Anti-Doping Agency the day of the match returned positive and leaves Parker in a difficult position to demonstrate his cleanliness. Parker's promotional company published a communique declaring: "Vada alerted all relevant parties about Parker tested positive following a doping test administered on the 25th October. As the investigation continues, no more comments are planned at this time." Professional History Parker was crowned world champion in 2016 until he was defeated for the WBO title by unanimous decision versus British star Joshua in Wales two years later. Joseph Parker became a regular competitor on British soil after that, competing in eight bouts overall in the UK and relocating to Ireland for training camps under respected coach former champion Lee during this period. Current Situation Under the tutelage of Lee, the boxer overcame his defeat in 2022 versus Joe Joyce to secure several successes that placed him as the top contender to challenge the champion prior to he lost against Wardley. After Parker's sample showed a positive test when he fought Wardley, allegedly for cocaine, an investigation about the test outcome has been started. Parker returned an adverse finding for a prohibited substance. The test was conducted by Vada the day of the bout. The fighter is confronting a possible suspension from the sport. His promotional team published an announcement confirming the failed examination. A review is now ongoing about the situation.