🔗 Share this article New Zealand's Joseph Parker Could Receive Potential Suspension Due to Positive Drugs Test Former world champion Parker returned an adverse finding as part of a drugs test carried out the same day he faced 11th-round stoppage versus English fighter Ipswich-born Wardley. The Bout and Its Stakes The British boxer together with Parker were part of a pulsating encounter staged in the UK capital in late October to decide who would become mandatory WBO contender facing undisputed world heavyweight champion Oleksandr Usyk. Joseph Parker had been the primary candidate to face Oleksandr Usyk subsequent to putting together an impressive six wins in a row, but placed his shot at the title on the line during the bout and suffered a stoppage in round eleven. Positive Test and Potential Consequences A routine test given to Parker via Vada the day of the match returned positive which leaves the veteran boxer with a battle to clear his name. His promotion team released a communique stating: "Vada informed everyone involved about Parker tested positive after a drug screening conducted on the fight day. While the matter is investigated, no additional comment are forthcoming currently." Career Background Parker earned the title of titleholder six years ago until he was defeated for his championship belt through a points decision versus Anthony Joshua in Cardiff in 2018. Joseph Parker has been a frequent visitor across the United Kingdom from that point, fighting eight times altogether in the UK and relocating to Ireland for fight camps under respected coach Andy Lee during this period. Latest Events Guided by Lee, the boxer bounced back from his defeat in 2022 to Joe Joyce to chalk up a string of victories which put him as the top contender to face the champion before he lost to the British fighter. After the boxer produced a positive test during the Wardley bout, reportedly for cocaine, a probe into the findings is underway. Joseph Parker tested positive for an illegal substance. The screening was administered through Vada on the fight day. Parker is confronting disciplinary action from the sport. Queensberry published a statement acknowledging the adverse finding. An investigation is now underway into the matter.