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The New Zealand heavyweight produced a positive sample during a drugs test conducted the very day of his 11th-round defeat versus British heavyweight Ipswich-born Wardley.

The Match and Its Consequences

Wardley along with Parker participated in a pulsating contest held in London last October to determine the next next in line for the WBO against undisputed world heavyweight champion Oleksandr Usyk.

Joseph Parker had been the primary candidate to face the champion after compiling a remarkable six consecutive victories, yet put his contender position in jeopardy in London and endured a stoppage in round eleven.

Adverse Finding Along with Possible Outcomes

A standard screening conducted on Parker via Vada on the day of the bout showed an adverse result and now leaves the 36-year-old facing a challenge to demonstrate his cleanliness.

His promotion team released a communique stating: "Vada informed everyone involved about Parker had a positive result after a doping test conducted on the 25th October. During the ongoing inquiry, no more comments are forthcoming at this time."

Boxing Journey

Joseph Parker earned the title of titleholder back in 2016 before he was defeated for his championship belt through a points decision to Anthony Joshua in Cardiff two years later.

Joseph Parker has been an active participant in the UK from that point, fighting eight times overall on UK territory and moving to Ireland for training camps with esteemed mentor Andy Lee during this period.

Recent Developments

Coached by Andy Lee, the boxer bounced back from the 2022 setback against Joe Joyce to secure a string of victories which put him front of the queue to challenge Oleksandr Usyk prior to he was defeated against Wardley.

After Parker returned a positive test on the day of the Wardley fight, reportedly involving cocaine, an inquiry about the test outcome has commenced.

• Parker returned an adverse finding for a prohibited substance.
• The test was administered by Vada on the fight day.
• The fighter could receive a potential ban from competition.
• Queensberry has issued a statement acknowledging the positive test.
• An investigation has been in progress into the matter.