Joseph Parker produced a positive sample as part of a doping test carried out the very day of his 11th-round stoppage against English fighter Fabio Wardley.
Wardley and Parker were part of an intense bout in London on 25 October to determine the identity of the WBO mandatory challenger against reigning heavyweight king Oleksandr Usyk.
Parker had been the primary candidate to face the champion subsequent to compiling a remarkable six consecutive victories, however put his contender position on the line in the UK and endured an 11th-round defeat.
A routine test administered to Parker via the Voluntary Anti-Doping Agency the day he fought came back positive and now leaves the veteran boxer facing a challenge to prove his innocence.
The boxer's representatives issued an announcement which read: "Vada informed all required parties regarding Joseph Parker tested positive subsequent to a drug screening carried out on October 25th. As the investigation continues, no more comments will be made for now."
The New Zealand boxer earned the title of world champion in 2016 prior to he was defeated for his championship belt via unanimous decision against Anthony Joshua in Wales two years later.
Joseph Parker became a frequent visitor in the UK from that point, competing in eight bouts altogether in the UK and relocating to Dublin for training camps alongside highly regarded trainer Andy Lee during this period.
Under the tutelage of Lee, the boxer overcame his 2022 loss to British heavyweight Joyce to chalk up multiple wins positioning him front of the queue to face Oleksandr Usyk prior to he was defeated to the British fighter.
Following Parker's sample showed a positive test when he fought Wardley, reportedly involving cocaine, an inquiry into the findings has been started.
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