Joseph Parker could be banned from boxing for up to two years after failing a drug test.
Routine testing of Parker 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.
News of Parker’s failed exam only broke on Friday.
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Highlights of the heavyweight showdown between Joseph Parker and Fabio Wardley at the O2 Arena. (Credit: DAZN)
Frank Warren’s Queensberry Promotions said in a statement: “The Voluntary Anti-Doping Association (VADA) last night notified all necessary parties that Joseph Parker had an adverse finding on an anti-doping test conducted on October 25th in connection with his fight with Fabio Wardley.”
“This matter will be investigated further and no further comment will be made at this time.”
Parker’s UK manager Spencer Brown said: “We are completely shocked by the findings of this investigation and are waiting to speak to Joe, David Higgins and his promoter Frank Warren.”
“It’s still in the early stages, but we will get to the bottom of everything.”
The British Boxing Board of Control (BBBofC) told Sky Sports they were “looking into” the matter.
Joseph Parker fails drug test after routine test finds traces of cocaine
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.”
