đź”— Share this article Boxer Joseph Parker Faces Imminent Disqualification After Positive Drugs Test The New Zealand heavyweight tested positive as part of a doping test carried out on the day he faced 11th-round defeat versus English fighter Fabio Wardley. The Match and Its Consequences Fabio Wardley along with Joseph Parker were part of an intense encounter staged in the UK capital last October to decide the next mandatory WBO contender facing undisputed world heavyweight champion Oleksandr Usyk. Joseph Parker had been the primary candidate to challenge Oleksandr Usyk following putting together a remarkable six-fight winning streak, but placed his contender position at stake during the bout and endured a stoppage in round eleven. Adverse Finding Along with Possible Outcomes A routine test conducted on Parker via the Voluntary Anti-Doping Agency on the day of the bout returned positive which leaves the 36-year-old with a battle to clear his name. His promotion team released a statement stating: "The anti-doping body alerted all relevant parties regarding Joseph Parker tested positive after a doping test administered on the fight day. During the ongoing inquiry, no further statements are forthcoming at this time." Career Background Joseph Parker earned the title of titleholder six years ago until he surrendered his championship belt by unanimous decision versus British star Joshua in Cardiff two years later. Joseph Parker became a frequent visitor on British soil from that point, competing in eight bouts in total in the UK and relocating to Dublin for fight camps under esteemed mentor former champion Lee in recent years. Current Situation Guided by Lee, the boxer bounced back from his defeat in 2022 to British heavyweight Joyce to chalk up a string of victories which put him at the front of the line to face Oleksandr Usyk prior to he suffered defeat against Wardley. Subsequent to the boxer produced a failed test during the Wardley bout, allegedly for cocaine, an inquiry regarding the results has been started. The boxer tested positive for a banned substance. The examination was conducted through Vada on the fight day. The fighter now faces disciplinary action from competition. Queensberry published a statement acknowledging the positive test. A formal inquiry has been ongoing regarding the case.