Former world champion Parker tested positive during a doping test conducted the same day of his 11th-round stoppage versus UK boxer Fabio Wardley.
Fabio Wardley along with Parker participated in an intense bout held in London in late October to determine the next next in line for the WBO facing reigning heavyweight king Oleksandr Usyk.
Joseph Parker had positioned himself as the leading contender to meet Oleksandr Usyk following putting together an impressive six consecutive victories, however risked his shot at the title on the line in the UK and endured an 11th-round defeat.
A standard screening given to Joseph Parker through the Voluntary Anti-Doping Agency the day he fought showed an adverse result and leaves the 36-year-old with a battle to demonstrate his cleanliness.
The boxer's representatives released a statement declaring: "The agency alerted all required parties regarding Joseph Parker tested positive following a doping test conducted on the 25th October. While the matter is investigated, no more comments are forthcoming for now."
Parker earned the title of titleholder in 2016 prior to he lost the WBO title via unanimous decision to British star Joshua in Wales two years later.
Joseph Parker became a frequent visitor across the United Kingdom since then, having eight matches overall on UK territory and relocating to the Irish capital for training camps under esteemed mentor Andy Lee during this period.
Coached by Andy Lee, the boxer recovered from his 2022 loss against Joe Joyce to achieve multiple wins that placed him at the front of the line to face the champion until he was defeated against Wardley.
Subsequent to the boxer produced a failed test during the Wardley bout, reportedly involving cocaine, an investigation about the test outcome has been started.
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Rebecca Harris
| 08 Mar 2026
Rebecca Harris
| 08 Mar 2026
Rebecca Harris
| 07 Mar 2026
Rebecca Harris
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