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The New Zealand heavyweight produced a positive sample in a doping test conducted the same day he faced 11th-round defeat against English fighter Fabio Wardley.

The Fight Along with Its Consequences

The British boxer along with Parker were part of a thrilling contest in London on 25 October to decide who would become WBO mandatory challenger against undisputed world heavyweight champion Oleksandr Usyk.

Joseph Parker had been next in line to meet the champion following stringing together an impressive six consecutive victories, but placed his contender position on the line in the UK and suffered a stoppage in round eleven.

Positive Test Along with Implications

A standard screening conducted on the boxer through the anti-doping organization on the day of the bout came back positive and leaves Parker with a battle to prove his innocence.

His promotion team issued a statement stating: "The anti-doping body informed all required parties that Joseph Parker tested positive following a doping test administered on the 25th October. During the ongoing inquiry, no additional comment are forthcoming for now."

Boxing Journey

Joseph Parker was crowned world champion in 2016 prior to he lost his WBO belt through a points decision against Anthony Joshua in Wales two years later.

The fighter has been a regular competitor on British soil from that point, having eight matches altogether in Britain and transferring to Dublin for preparation under esteemed mentor former champion Lee over the past few years.

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Coached by Andy Lee, the boxer recovered from the 2022 setback versus Joe Joyce to achieve several successes that placed him as the top contender to meet Usyk before he was defeated to the British fighter.

After the boxer produced a positive test during the Wardley bout, reportedly involving cocaine, an inquiry regarding the results has commenced.

• The boxer failed a drug test for a prohibited substance.
• The examination was administered by Vada the day of the bout.
• Parker is confronting disciplinary action from the sport.
• His representatives published an announcement addressing the positive test.
• An investigation has been ongoing regarding the case.