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Joseph Parker produced a positive sample as part of a anti-doping examination administered the very day he fought in 11th-round defeat to English fighter Ipswich-born Wardley.

The Fight Plus the Implications

The British boxer together with the New Zealander engaged in a thrilling contest staged in the UK capital in late October to decide the identity of the WBO mandatory challenger facing undisputed world heavyweight champion Ukrainian champion Usyk.

Parker had been the primary candidate to face Usyk after compiling a remarkable six wins in a row, however put his contender position in jeopardy in the UK and suffered an 11th-round defeat.

Adverse Finding Plus Possible Outcomes

An ordinary examination conducted on the boxer by Vada the day of the match returned positive and leaves the veteran boxer facing a challenge to clear his name.

Parker's promotional company published a statement which read: "The agency informed all required parties regarding Joseph Parker had a positive result subsequent to a drug screening carried out on the 25th October. During the ongoing inquiry, no further statements are forthcoming at this time."

Career Background

The New Zealand boxer was crowned heavyweight champion in 2016 prior to he lost his WBO belt via unanimous decision to British star Joshua at the Millennium Stadium two years later.

Parker remained a frequent visitor in the UK since then, having eight matches in total on UK territory and relocating to the Irish capital for fight camps with esteemed mentor former champion Lee over the past few years.

Recent Developments

Guided by Lee, the boxer overcame his defeat in 2022 against British heavyweight Joyce to achieve a string of victories which put him at the front of the line to challenge Oleksandr Usyk until he suffered defeat to the British fighter.

Subsequent to Parker's sample showed an adverse finding on the day of the Wardley fight, reportedly for cocaine, an investigation into the findings has been started.

• Joseph Parker returned an adverse finding for a banned substance.
• The screening was conducted via the anti-doping agency on the fight day.
• The fighter is confronting a potential ban from the sport.
• His representatives has issued a statement acknowledging the positive test.
• A formal inquiry has been ongoing about the situation.