Joseph Parker denies taking any prohibited drugs and says he is “confident” he will be acquitted after failing a drug test.
Parker faces a two-year suspension after routine testing by the Voluntary Anti-Doping Agency found traces of cocaine.
The test took place on the day of the New Zealand heavyweight’s fight against Fabio Wardley, which he won last month.
“I took a voluntary test before a recent game and was informed that I had a negative result. This was a real surprise to me,” Parker said on Instagram.
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Highlights of the heavyweight showdown between Joseph Parker and Fabio Wardley at the O2 Arena. (Credit: DAZN)
“I have not taken any prohibited substances, nor have I used and do not support the use of performance-enhancing drugs. I am cooperating fully with the ongoing process and am confident that the investigation will clear my name.”
“Thank you to everyone who sent messages of support. This means a lot to me and my family. Once the investigation is complete, I will speak up and answer any questions.”
The British Boxing Board of Control (BBBofC) told Sky Sports they were “looking into” the matter.
Parker, 33, is a former world champion who lost his belt to Anthony Joshua in 2018, but entered the fight with Wardley in perhaps the best shape of his career.
After a heartbreaking loss to Joe Joyce in 2022, Parker went on to win his last six fights before Wardley, over Deontay Wilder and Ji-Ray Zhang, and also won the interim WBO strap.
He was scheduled to challenge then-IBF belt holder Daniel Dubois in February, but Dubois fell ill just days before the bout was to take place.
By taking on Wardley, Parker staked his position as the WBO’s mandatory challenger to undisputed champion Oleksandr Usyk.
It was a gamble that backfired, and news of his failed drug test leaves his future in the sport in big doubt.
“Parker could receive a two-year suspension.”
Andy Scott, Sky Sports boxing expert:
“The headlines are shocking.
“Everyone loves Joseph Parker. I think he’s a lot of people’s second favorite heavyweight. But there was also the question of why he was taking that fight (against Wardley).”
Joseph Parker (left) lost to Britain’s Fabio Wardley in a heavyweight bout last month.
“He was scheduled to fight (Olexandr) Usyk. Instead he had a dangerous fight against Wardley, and now this is in the headlines.”
“Not only has he lost the fight, but now he’s under investigation and he has to come out of this investigation and clear his name.
“For context, there was a high-profile case in boxing where Liam Cameron was in a similar situation. He was given a four-year ban for traces of cocaine, but the rules have since changed.”
“It will be interesting to see how this case develops further. There will be a full investigation and we will wait to see what the outcome is, but he could be given a two-year ban.”
