Former world champion Parker produced a positive sample as part of a anti-doping examination carried out on the day he fought in 11th-round defeat versus UK boxer Ipswich-born Wardley.
The British boxer along with the New Zealander were part of a thrilling encounter held in London last October to establish the next next in line for the WBO to unified heavyweight titleholder Oleksandr Usyk.
Parker was previously next in line to challenge Usyk subsequent to compiling a remarkable six wins in a row, but put his shot at the title in jeopardy in the UK and endured an 11th-round defeat.
A standard screening given to Parker through the Voluntary Anti-Doping Agency the day he fought showed an adverse result and now leaves the veteran boxer facing a challenge to clear his name.
Parker's promotional company issued a statement declaring: "The anti-doping body alerted all required parties that Joseph Parker returned an adverse finding following a drug screening administered on the 25th October. As the investigation continues, no further statements will be made at this time."
The New Zealand boxer earned the title of heavyweight champion in 2016 before he was defeated for his WBO belt by unanimous decision to British star Joshua at the Millennium Stadium two years later.
Joseph Parker became a regular competitor on British soil since then, fighting eight times in total on UK territory and transferring to Ireland for preparation with highly regarded trainer former champion Lee over the past few years.
Under the tutelage of Lee, Joseph Parker overcame his defeat in 2022 against British heavyweight Joyce to achieve several successes which put him front of the queue to face Oleksandr Usyk before he was defeated to the British fighter.
Following Parker returned an adverse finding on the day of the Wardley fight, allegedly for cocaine, an investigation into the findings has been started.
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Lisa Mitchell
Lisa Mitchell