Former World Champion Joseph Parker Tests Positive for, Denies Wrongdoing

Former WBO heavyweight world champion Joseph Parker is facing serious scrutiny after testing positive for a metabolite of cocaine, following a routine anti-doping test conducted on the day of his October 25 fight against Fabio Wardley.

The Voluntary Anti-Doping Association (VADA) conducted the test on the day of the bout. According to reports, the substance detected was benzoylecgonine, a by-product of cocaine. Cocaine is not generally considered a performance-enhancing drug, but its presence is prohibited under anti-doping rules.

Joseph Parker has strongly denied any intentional wrongdoing: In a social media post, he said the result “came as a real surprise” and asserted he “did not take any prohibited substance.” He reiterated that he does not use performance-enhancing drugs and does not support their use. Parker says he is “co-operating fully” with the investigation and is confident his name will be cleared.

If the finding is upheld, Parker could face a suspension of up to two years under the rules of UK Anti-Doping and the British Boxing Board of Control. The B-sample of his test will be tested next, which could confirm or refute the initial result. Parker’s promoter, Queensberry Promotions, has said it will await the full investigation and has made no further comment.

This positive test comes just after Parker’s 11th-round stoppage loss to Wardley in London, a fight that derailed his bid to become the mandatory challenger for Oleksandr Usyk’s undisputed heavyweight title. The news deals a significant blow to Parker’s career momentum, after he had rebuilt his form with a string of victories, including over Deontay Wilder and Zhilei Zhang.

The British Boxing Board of Control is reportedly investigating, and the final decision on any sanction will rest with them. Even though cocaine is not typically performance-enhancing, its detection in an in-competition test is a serious violation of anti-doping regulations.

For boxing fans and the New Zealand sporting community, the case raises broader questions about athlete conduct, testing protocols, and the reputational consequences for high-profile fighters. Depending on the outcome, Parker’s career trajectory could be significantly affected-especially if a lengthy ban is imposed.

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