Joseph Parker returned an adverse finding as part of a anti-doping examination administered on the day he fought in 11th-round defeat versus UK boxer Ipswich-born Wardley.
The British boxer and the New Zealander participated in an intense contest held in London in late October to determine the next WBO mandatory challenger facing undisputed world heavyweight champion Oleksandr Usyk.
The fighter had been the primary candidate to meet Usyk following putting together an impressive six consecutive victories, yet placed his contender position at stake in London and endured an 11th-round stoppage.
A standard screening administered to Parker by the Voluntary Anti-Doping Agency the day of the match returned positive which leaves the 36-year-old with a battle to clear his name.
Parker's promotional company published a communique stating: "The agency alerted all required parties regarding Joseph Parker tested positive after a doping test conducted on the 25th October. During the ongoing inquiry, no more comments are forthcoming currently."
Parker was crowned heavyweight champion six years ago prior to he lost his championship belt by unanimous decision to British star Joshua at the Millennium Stadium two years later.
Parker has been a regular competitor in the UK after that, fighting eight times overall in Britain and transferring to Dublin for preparation alongside respected coach former champion Lee in recent years.
Under the tutelage of Lee, Joseph Parker recovered from his 2022 loss to British heavyweight Joyce to secure several successes that placed him front of the queue to face Oleksandr Usyk before he lost against Wardley.
After the boxer produced an adverse finding during the Wardley bout, reportedly involving cocaine, a probe into the findings has been started.
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