🔗 Share this article New Zealand's Joseph Parker Could Receive Possible Ban Due to Positive Anti-Doping Test The New Zealand heavyweight returned an adverse finding in a drugs test carried out the very day of his 11th-round stoppage against English fighter Fabio Wardley. The Fight Along with Its Stakes Wardley and Joseph Parker were part of a pulsating bout in London last October to determine the next WBO mandatory challenger facing undisputed world heavyweight champion Oleksandr Usyk. The fighter was previously the primary candidate to challenge Oleksandr Usyk following putting together a remarkable six-fight winning streak, but put his contender position on the line during the bout and suffered an 11th-round stoppage. Adverse Finding Along with Implications An ordinary examination conducted on the boxer by the Voluntary Anti-Doping Agency the day he fought showed an adverse result and now leaves the 36-year-old in a difficult position to prove his innocence. The boxer's representatives issued an announcement declaring: "The anti-doping body informed all required parties regarding Joseph Parker tested positive after a doping test conducted on the 25th October. During the ongoing inquiry, no additional comment are forthcoming at this time." Boxing Journey The New Zealand boxer became titleholder six years ago until he was defeated for his championship belt by unanimous decision to British star Joshua in Cardiff 24 months later. Parker remained a frequent visitor on British soil from that point, fighting eight times in total in the UK and relocating to Dublin for training camps with respected coach former champion Lee over the past few years. Latest Events Guided by Lee, Joseph Parker overcame the 2022 setback to British heavyweight Joyce to achieve a string of victories that placed him front of the queue to meet Usyk until he suffered defeat to the British fighter. Following the boxer produced a positive test during the Wardley bout, reportedly for cocaine, a probe regarding the results has commenced. Parker returned an adverse finding for a prohibited substance. The test was administered via the anti-doping agency on October 25th. The fighter now faces a potential ban from boxing. Queensberry has issued a statement confirming the failed examination. An investigation has been in progress into the matter.