Joseph Parker produced a positive sample during a doping test administered on the day he faced 11th-round stoppage versus English fighter Fabio Wardley.
Wardley and Parker engaged in a thrilling encounter in London in late October to decide who would become WBO mandatory challenger to reigning heavyweight king Oleksandr Usyk.
Joseph Parker was previously next in line to challenge Usyk subsequent to stringing together an impressive six-fight winning streak, yet risked his contender position at stake in the UK and experienced an 11th-round stoppage.
A routine test given to the boxer by the Voluntary Anti-Doping Agency on the day of the bout showed an adverse result which leaves Parker in a difficult position to demonstrate his cleanliness.
Parker's promotional company published an announcement stating: "Vada notified all relevant parties regarding Joseph Parker tested positive after a doping test carried out on October 25th. While the matter is investigated, no additional comment are planned for now."
The New Zealand boxer became heavyweight champion six years ago prior to he was defeated for the WBO title through a points decision against British star Joshua in Cardiff two years later.
Parker has been a frequent visitor across the United Kingdom since then, competing in eight bouts in total in Britain and transferring to Dublin for fight camps alongside highly regarded trainer former champion Lee in recent years.
Guided by Lee, Joseph Parker bounced back from the 2022 setback to Joe Joyce to secure multiple wins which put him as the top contender to challenge Usyk prior to he suffered defeat to the British fighter.
Subsequent to Parker returned an adverse finding on the day of the Wardley fight, allegedly for cocaine, a probe about the test outcome has commenced.
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