Despite the drama outside the ring, Fabio Wardley claimed victory with an 11th round TKO over Parker. Before stoppage, judges had varied scores: 98-92, 96-94, and a draw. However, referee Howard Foster faced criticism over what some labeled a "premature stoppage". Critics believed Parker could still fight on.
Hailing from New Zealand and aged 33, Joseph Parker entered the match with an impressive record of 36 wins and only four losses. Fans knew him as a former WBO World Champion who once defeated Andy Ruiz Jr. His career highlights included wins against fighters like Deontay Wilder and Zhilei Zhang.
In response to the positive test result, Parker’s team spoke openly about their surprise, emphasizing that "this has been the first camp where Joe has his whole family with him," as reported by [The Sun](https://www.thesun.co.uk/sport/). The team now awaits analysis of Parker's B sample while he faces potential consequences from boxing authorities.
Parker might see a possible two-year suspension since cocaine is considered recreational rather than performance-enhancing. As authorities deliberate on his fate, fans wonder if a future bout against Oleksandr Usyk could ever happen.
The shock announcement of Parker's drug test adds another chapter to his already eventful career—one marked by significant victories and notable defeats like his loss to Anthony Joshua back in 2018. Whether this setback becomes another hurdle he overcomes or ends his professional journey remains uncertain. Only time will tell how this situation unfolds in what has been an otherwise remarkable boxing career for Joseph Parker.