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Joseph Parker returned an adverse finding in a anti-doping examination administered on the day he fought in 11th-round stoppage versus UK boxer Ipswich-born Wardley.

The Match Plus the Implications

Wardley together with Parker engaged in a thrilling bout staged in the UK capital in late October to establish the identity of the WBO mandatory challenger to reigning heavyweight king Oleksandr Usyk.

The fighter had been the primary candidate to face the champion following stringing together an impressive six-fight winning streak, yet put his contender position at stake during the bout and experienced an 11th-round defeat.

Failed Examination Plus Possible Outcomes

An ordinary examination administered to Parker by Vada the day he fought came back positive and now leaves the veteran boxer with a battle to prove his innocence.

Parker's promotional company published a statement which read: "The anti-doping body alerted everyone involved regarding Joseph Parker tested positive subsequent to a doping test carried out on October 25th. During the ongoing inquiry, no further statements are forthcoming for now."

Professional History

Parker became heavyweight champion back in 2016 prior to he was defeated for the WBO title via unanimous decision against Anthony Joshua at the Millennium Stadium in 2018.

The fighter became a regular competitor in the UK from that point, having eight matches overall in the UK and transferring to Ireland for training camps with esteemed mentor Andy Lee during this period.

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Under the tutelage of Lee, Parker recovered from his defeat in 2022 to Joe Joyce to secure multiple wins which put him as the top contender to challenge Usyk before he suffered defeat to the British fighter.

Subsequent to the boxer produced a failed test during the Wardley bout, reportedly for cocaine, an inquiry into the findings has been started.

• Joseph Parker tested positive for a prohibited substance.
• The screening was conducted by Vada on October 25th.
• The fighter could receive disciplinary action from boxing.
• Queensberry has issued a comment acknowledging the adverse finding.
• A formal inquiry is currently ongoing regarding the case.