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Former world champion Parker returned an adverse finding in a drugs test carried out the same day of his 11th-round loss versus English fighter Fabio Wardley.

The Fight Plus the Consequences

Fabio Wardley together with the New Zealander were part of a pulsating bout staged in the UK capital in late October to establish the next mandatory WBO contender against reigning heavyweight king Ukrainian champion Usyk.

The fighter was previously the leading contender to face Usyk following putting together a notable six-fight winning streak, but put his shot at the title in jeopardy in London and endured a stoppage in round eleven.

Adverse Finding Plus Possible Outcomes

An ordinary examination administered to the boxer by the Voluntary Anti-Doping Agency on the day of the bout came back positive and leaves the veteran boxer with a battle to prove his innocence.

Parker's promotional company published an announcement which read: "The anti-doping body alerted all required parties regarding Joseph Parker tested positive after a drug screening carried out on the fight day. During the ongoing inquiry, no further statements are forthcoming for now."

Professional History

Parker was crowned world champion six years ago before he was defeated for his championship belt via unanimous decision against Anthony Joshua at the Millennium Stadium in 2018.

The fighter became a regular competitor across the United Kingdom after that, competing in eight bouts in total in Britain and relocating to Dublin for preparation with esteemed mentor Andy Lee over the past few years.

Recent Developments

Coached by Andy Lee, Parker bounced back from his 2022 loss to Joe Joyce to chalk up several successes which put him front of the queue to meet Usyk before he suffered defeat against Wardley.

Following Parker returned a failed test on the day of the Wardley fight, reportedly for cocaine, an inquiry into the findings has commenced.

• Parker tested positive for an illegal substance.
• The test took place by Vada on the fight day.
• Parker is confronting disciplinary action from boxing.
• His promotional team has issued a comment addressing the failed examination.
• A review has been underway about the situation.