🔗 Share this article New Zealand's Joseph Parker Confronts Imminent Suspension Following Positive Drugs Test The New Zealand heavyweight tested positive during a drugs test carried out the same day of his 11th-round defeat against English fighter Ipswich-born Wardley. The Fight Plus the Implications Fabio Wardley along with the New Zealander were part of a thrilling bout staged in the UK capital on 25 October to establish the next mandatory WBO contender against reigning heavyweight king Oleksandr Usyk. Parker had positioned himself as the primary candidate to challenge Oleksandr Usyk after stringing together a notable six wins in a row, yet risked his shot at the title on the line in London and experienced an 11th-round stoppage. Failed Examination Plus Possible Outcomes A routine test administered to Parker through the anti-doping organization the day of the match came back positive and now leaves the 36-year-old in a difficult position to prove his innocence. His promotion team published a statement declaring: "Vada alerted all relevant parties about Parker had a positive result subsequent to a drug screening carried out on the 25th October. During the ongoing inquiry, no additional comment will be made at this time." Career Background The New Zealand boxer became titleholder six years ago prior to he lost his WBO belt through a points decision against Anthony Joshua in Cardiff two years later. Parker became an active participant in the UK after that, competing in eight bouts in total in the UK and transferring to Dublin for fight camps alongside highly regarded trainer Andy Lee during this period. Recent Developments Guided by Lee, the boxer recovered from his 2022 loss against British heavyweight Joyce to achieve several successes that placed him front of the queue to face the champion prior to he suffered defeat to the British fighter. After the boxer produced a positive test during the Wardley bout, allegedly for cocaine, an inquiry regarding the results has been started. Parker returned an adverse finding for an illegal substance. The examination took place by Vada on the fight day. The fighter could receive a possible suspension from competition. Queensberry released a statement confirming the adverse finding. An investigation is now in progress into the matter.