🔗 Share this article New Zealand's Joseph Parker Could Receive Imminent Ban Due to Failed Anti-Doping Test The New Zealand heavyweight produced a positive sample during a drugs test conducted the same day he faced 11th-round defeat to English fighter Fabio Wardley. The Bout Plus the Consequences The British boxer along with the New Zealander participated in a thrilling contest in London in late October to decide the identity of the WBO mandatory challenger to unified heavyweight titleholder Oleksandr Usyk. Parker was previously the leading contender to face Oleksandr Usyk following putting together a remarkable six consecutive victories, yet put his mandatory challenger status at stake in the UK and experienced an 11th-round stoppage. Positive Test and Possible Outcomes An ordinary examination conducted on the boxer through the anti-doping organization the day he fought returned positive and now leaves the veteran boxer in a difficult position to prove his innocence. Parker's promotional company issued a statement declaring: "The agency alerted all relevant parties that Joseph Parker returned an adverse finding following a drug screening administered on the fight day. While the matter is investigated, no more comments are forthcoming at this time." Professional History Parker earned the title of titleholder back in 2016 before he lost the WBO title through a points decision against Anthony Joshua in Wales in 2018. Parker became a regular competitor in the UK after that, competing in eight bouts in total on UK territory and transferring to the Irish capital for fight camps alongside highly regarded trainer Andy Lee during this period. Latest Events Under the tutelage of Lee, Parker overcame the 2022 setback versus Joe Joyce to secure a string of victories which put him as the top contender to face Usyk until he suffered defeat against Wardley. Subsequent to Parker returned a positive test during the Wardley bout, reportedly for cocaine, a probe about the test outcome is underway. Parker returned an adverse finding for a prohibited substance. The test was conducted via the anti-doping agency on October 25th. Joseph Parker could receive a possible suspension from the sport. His representatives has issued a comment confirming the failed examination. A formal inquiry has been in progress regarding the case.