Joseph Parker tested positive for cocaine after Wardley fight

Former WBO interim heavyweight champion Joseph Parker is in trouble, even after his upset loss to Fabio Wardley last month. A report has emerged that the big Kiwi fighter tested positive for cocaine on the day of his fight against Wardley on October 25.

Adverse finding for cocaine in Joseph Parker’s sample

The 33-year-old was taking part in the Voluntary Anti-Doping Association (VADA) testing before and after the title bout and The Sun newspaper has reported that an adverse finding was revealed for cocaine. The Sun further reported that Parker’s team intends to appeal the finding and to have the “B sample” also tested, soon.

Cocaine is obviously a powerful recreational drug and is banned by all forms of athletic drug testing worldwide, as a stimulant. The British Boxing Board of Control, which was in charge of the October bout, could now suspend Parker from competition for a year or more.

Dan Rafael has also confirmed the initial reporting of The Sun newspaper. He further mentioned that Parker tested clean the day before the fight, before failing the test given on the day of the fight. The Kiwi fighter was also tested on fight day by UKAD, with the results not yet back.

Queensberry Promotions released a brief statement Friday morning confirming the Parker news. It 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.” 

Wardley stunned Joseph Parker three weeks ago

Parker now (36-4, 24 KOs) was in line to potentially fight undisputed heavyweight champ Oleksandr Usyk early next year. However, he chose to take a lucrative fight prior to that opportunity and battle unbeaten Brit, Fabio Wardley in the Queensberry main event at the O2 Arena, on October 25.

A wild back and forth battle ensued and Wardley eventually stopped Parker dramatically in the 11th round of the title fight and has now assumed the WBO top position awaiting a chance to fight Usyk.

The Sun further reported that Parker is away on a vacation with his family, but was notified of the finding Thursday. An unnamed member of Parker’s team told the outlet (not surprisingly) “I am absolutely shocked. This has been the first camp where Joe has all of his family around. The camp had gone great and he put on a good performance in a great fight.”