Joseph Parker could be facing a potential two-year boxing ban.
Parker, the former WBO heavyweight champion, tested positive for the prohibited substance cocaine in a Voluntary Anti-Doping Agency (VADA) drug test conducted on the day of his WBO interim title bout with Fabio Wardley this past month.
Parker’s promoter, Frank Warren’s Queensberry Promotions, confirmed the news of Parker’s adverse analytical finding on Friday in a statement.
“The Voluntary Anti-Doping Association (VADA) last night informed all required parties that Joseph Parker returned an adverse finding following an anti-doping test conducted on October 25 in relation to his bout with Fabio Wardley.
“While the matter is investigated further, no additional comment will be made at this time.”
Parker tested positive for traces of cocaine, which is understood to remain in the body for less than four days, leading to the conclusion that Parker came in contact with the drug on the week of his fight. Although cocaine is a recreational drug and not performance-enhancing, its use is still banned in the UK. UK Anti-Doping (UKAD) and the British Boxing Board of Control (BBBofC) are investigating the matter.
Parker formerly held the WBO heavyweight title from 2016 until he lost it to Anthony Joshua in a 2018 unification bout. The New Zealander then embarked on a six-fight win streak that was ended by another Brit, Joe Joyce, in 2022. After a three-fight comeback run against Deontay Wilder, Zhilei Zhang and Martin Bakole, Parker looked to be set for another world title shot, however another British fighter, Wardley, once again put an end to his championship ambitions with a dramatic Round 11 come-from-behind stoppage.