The UK Anti Doping body says Lupesoliai Laaulialemalietoa Joseph Parker’s positive cocaine test caused by nutritionist.
The former world heavyweight champion Joseph Parker’s nutritionist was the reason traces of cocaine were found in a UK Anti-Doping (Ukad) test on the day of his defeat to Fabio Wardley, according to an investigation conducted by Ukad.
Parker failed a voluntary fight-day anti-doping test following his 11th-round stoppage defeat to British heavyweight Fabio Wardley last October after trace elements of cocaine were detected in his system.
At the time, he issued a statement expressing his surprise at the test result and stating he did not take a prohibited or performance-enhancing substance.
In a statement this week, Parker said: “I’m pleased to confirm my provisional suspension is lifted and I’ll be back in the ring soon.
“I’ve been advised to say no more for now while details are finalised. Thank you to all my supporters.”
Parker also today expressed support for compatriot David Nyika, who has an IBF world cruiserweight title eliminator fight against Kiwi-Aussie Floyd Masson in Auckland on Saturday night.
“Please join me in backing David Nyika for his world title eliminator this Saturday on TVNZ+. I believe Nyika will win this fight and secure a world title shot for New Zealand.”
Lupesoliai is now free to fight again after serving a three-month suspension and has always denied knowingly taking any banned substances.
Parker, 34, was able to gather sufficient evidence to prove his adverse test was the result of his exposure to cocaine used by the nutritionist.
A statement by Ukad stated the nutritionist Parker had employed in preparation for his fight with Wardley was a “regular user of cocaine”.
Ukad said: “On 6 March 2026, Mr Parker provided Ukad with evidence claiming that the adverse analytical finding was the result of his exposure to cocaine used by the nutritionist he had employed in preparation for the bout on 25 October 2025.
“The nutritionist stated that he was a regular user of cocaine and had used cocaine daily in the week leading up to the bout.”
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