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Former world champion Parker produced a positive sample as part of a drugs test carried out on the day of his 11th-round defeat versus UK boxer Fabio Wardley.

The Fight and Its Implications

Fabio Wardley and Joseph Parker were part of an intense encounter in London on 25 October to decide the identity of the next in line for the WBO to undisputed world heavyweight champion Oleksandr Usyk.

Joseph Parker had positioned himself as the leading contender to face the champion after putting together a remarkable six-fight winning streak, but put his contender position at stake in the UK and endured an 11th-round stoppage.

Positive Test Plus Implications

A routine test given to Joseph Parker by the anti-doping organization the day of the match came back positive and now leaves the veteran boxer with a battle to prove his innocence.

Parker's promotional company published a communique which read: "The anti-doping body alerted all required parties that Joseph Parker returned an adverse finding following a doping test carried out on the fight day. During the ongoing inquiry, no further statements are planned for now."

Career Background

Joseph Parker became world champion in 2016 before he surrendered the WBO title by unanimous decision against Anthony Joshua in Wales 24 months later.

Parker became a frequent visitor in the UK from that point, competing in eight bouts altogether in the UK and relocating to the Irish capital for fight camps alongside highly regarded trainer Andy Lee during this period.

Current Situation

Coached by Andy Lee, the boxer recovered from his defeat in 2022 against British heavyweight Joyce to chalk up a string of victories that placed him at the front of the line to meet Oleksandr Usyk before he suffered defeat against Wardley.

Following the boxer produced a positive test during the Wardley bout, allegedly for cocaine, an inquiry about the test outcome has been started.

• The boxer failed a drug test for an illegal substance.
• The examination was conducted through Vada on October 25th.
• The fighter now faces a potential ban from competition.
• Queensberry published a comment addressing the positive test.
• An investigation has been in progress regarding the case.