Former world champion Parker produced a positive sample during a drugs test conducted the same day of his 11th-round defeat versus UK boxer Fabio Wardley.
Wardley along with Joseph Parker participated in an intense encounter in London last October to decide the next mandatory WBO contender to undisputed world heavyweight champion Ukrainian champion Usyk.
Parker had been the primary candidate to challenge Usyk subsequent to stringing together a notable six consecutive victories, however risked his contender position at stake in the UK and experienced an 11th-round defeat.
A routine test given to Parker by Vada the day of the match returned positive and leaves the veteran boxer with a battle to prove his innocence.
Parker's promotional company published a statement stating: "The anti-doping body alerted all required parties that Joseph Parker had a positive result after a doping test administered on the fight day. During the ongoing inquiry, no more comments are forthcoming for now."
The New Zealand boxer was crowned heavyweight champion back in 2016 prior to he lost his championship belt by unanimous decision against Anthony Joshua in Wales in 2018.
Parker remained an active participant across the United Kingdom after that, competing in eight bouts altogether in Britain and moving to Ireland for preparation with respected coach Andy Lee during this period.
Guided by Lee, Parker bounced back from the 2022 setback to Joe Joyce to chalk up multiple wins which put him as the top contender to meet Usyk before he suffered defeat to the British fighter.
After the boxer produced an adverse finding when he fought Wardley, allegedly for cocaine, an investigation regarding the results is underway.
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