Former WBO heavyweight champion Joseph Parker has firmly denied taking any banned substances after returning what officials described as an “adverse finding” in a voluntary drug test conducted before his recent bout in London. The 33-year-old New Zealander, who once sat among boxing’s elite, now faces a formal investigation that could impact his career trajectory.

Positive Test for Cocaine — Not a Performance-Enhancing Drug

Parker was tested on 25 October by the Voluntary Anti-Doping Association (VADA), the same day he suffered a defeat to Britain’s Fabio Wardley at the O2 Arena.
Sources confirmed to BBC Sport that Parker’s sample tested positive specifically for cocaine, a recreational drug, and not any performance-enhancing substance.

His promoter acknowledged the adverse finding on Friday, yet emphasized that Parker has maintained his stance of innocence from the moment he was informed of the result.

Parker: “I did not take any prohibited substance”

In a statement shared on Instagram, Parker described the situation as shocking and unexpected:

“Before my recent fight, I took a voluntary test and have now been informed that it returned an adverse result. This came as a real surprise to me. I did not take any prohibited substance, I do not use performance-enhancing drugs and do not support their use.”

Parker added that he is cooperating fully with the ongoing review process and expressed confidence he will be cleared once the investigation concludes.

Potential Consequences: Ban Could Range From Three Months to Two Years

Parker, who has won 36 of his 40 professional fights, now awaits a formal ruling from UK Anti-Doping (UKAD) and the British Boxing Board of Control (BBBC). While UKAD did not directly administer this test, they will lead the inquiry before determining the appropriate sanction.

Penalties for positive cocaine tests vary widely depending on context, intent, and timing.

• The maximum potential ban sits at two years
• The shortest possible suspension could be as little as three months, particularly if the substance is classified as recreational and unrelated to performance enhancement

The BBC has contacted both VADA and the BBBC for further comment.

A Setback in Parker’s Bid for Another World Title Shot

Heading into the Wardley fight, Joseph Parker had been positioning himself for a future shot at undisputed heavyweight champion Oleksandr Usyk. The defeat in London, combined now with the drug test controversy, marks a major setback for the former champion.

Parker held the WBO heavyweight world title from 2016 to 2018, before losing the belt to Britain’s Anthony Joshua in Cardiff. His camp had hoped a string of consistent performances would elevate him back into world-title contention.

Now, his priority is clearing his name.

“When the investigation is complete, I will speak openly and answer questions,” he said.