New Zealand Samoan and former heavyweight world champion Joseph Parker failed a drug test on the day he fought Britain’s Fabio Wardley last month, Frank Warren’s Queensberry Promotions have confirmed.
British media had reported Lupesoliai Laaulialemalietoa Joseph Parker tested positive for traces of cocaine and could face a lengthy ban from the sport.
“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 the 25th October in relation to his bout with Fabio Wardley,” Queensberry said in a statement.
“While the matter is investigated further, no additional comment will be made at this time.”
Parker’s UK manager Spencer Brown issued a statement speaking of “total shock” at the findings.
“We are just waiting to speak to Joe, (promoter) David Higgins and his promoter Frank Warren. It is very early days and we will get to the bottom of it all.”
Wardley stopped fight-favourite Parker in the 11th round at London’s O2 Arena in the WBO ‘Interim’ clash to earn the right to challenge Ukraine’s undisputed world champion Oleksandr Usyk.
The British Boxing Board of Control (BBBofC), which would decide the length of any ban, could not be reached for comment on the next steps.
The UK Anti-Doping Agency (UKAD) would not comment.
British boxer Liam Cameron was banned for four years after he tested positive for benzoylecgonine, a metabolite of cocaine, in 2018 but rules have been changed since then.
Parker (36-4, 24 KOs) is said to be currently on holiday, and while eager for redemption after his latest defeat, his manager David Higgins told The Ring post-fight there was no expectation on his charge to return for a ‘little while’ before this development.
The VADA will now handover their findings to UKAD and the British Boxing Board of Control, who oversee doping and punish offenders.
Although cocaine is a recreational drug and not performance-enhancing, the Kiwi could potentially face a two-year suspension.
A Queensberry Promotions statement read: “The Voluntary Anti-Doping Association last night informed all required parties that Joseph Parker returned an adverse finding following an anti-doping test conducted on the 25th October in relation to his bout with Fabio Wardley.
“While the matter is investigated further, no additional comment will be made at this time.”
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