Elara is a seasoned journalist and digital content creator with a passion for uncovering stories that matter.
Former world champion Parker produced a positive sample during a anti-doping examination administered the very day of his 11th-round loss to British heavyweight Fabio Wardley.
Fabio Wardley together with Joseph Parker engaged in a thrilling encounter in London on 25 October to determine the identity of the mandatory WBO contender against reigning heavyweight king Oleksandr Usyk.
Parker had positioned himself as next in line to face the champion subsequent to putting together an impressive six wins in a row, however placed his contender position on the line during the bout and endured a stoppage in round eleven.
A standard screening given to Parker by the Voluntary Anti-Doping Agency on the day of the bout returned positive which leaves Parker facing a challenge to demonstrate his cleanliness.
The boxer's representatives issued an announcement stating: "The anti-doping body informed all relevant parties that Joseph Parker tested positive subsequent to a doping test administered on the 25th October. While the matter is investigated, no more comments are forthcoming for now."
Parker earned the title of titleholder six years ago prior to he surrendered his WBO belt through a points decision against British star Joshua at the Millennium Stadium two years later.
The fighter became a regular competitor in the UK after that, having eight matches overall in the UK and relocating to the Irish capital for preparation under esteemed mentor Andy Lee over the past few years.
Coached by Andy Lee, Parker recovered from his defeat in 2022 against British heavyweight Joyce to achieve a string of victories which put him as the top contender to face Oleksandr Usyk before he was defeated against Wardley.
Subsequent to Parker's sample showed a positive test on the day of the Wardley fight, allegedly for cocaine, an investigation about the test outcome is underway.
Elara is a seasoned journalist and digital content creator with a passion for uncovering stories that matter.