Joseph Parker’s career has been plunged into uncertainty after it emerged that he returned an adverse finding for cocaine on the day of his heavyweight bout with Britain’s Fabio Wardley.
A report, first published by The Sun, states that the 33-year-old’s A sample from a Voluntary Anti Doping Agency test conducted on October 25 showed the presence of a cocaine metabolite.
Parker lost to Wardley in the 11th round of their contest at the O2 Arena, a fight that was billed as determining the next challenger for undisputed champion Oleksandr Usyk.
The former WBO titleholder had been ahead on the scorecards before the stoppage, a result that sparked immediate debate. Now, attention has shifted sharply to the implications of the reported test result.
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VADA operates under strict protocols and the boxer’s team will be entitled to request analysis of the B sample.
In most cases the A and B samples return matching results, although that process has not yet concluded.
Traces of benzoylecgonine, the metabolite detected in Parker’s A sample, generally remain in the system only for a limited period.
Joseph Parker's camp have been left stunned by the news
|REUTERS
If confirmed, that would raise questions about when any exposure occurred, although no explanation has yet been provided by the fighter or his representatives.
A source described as close to Parker told the newspaper that the news had come as a shock and said the training camp had taken place with his family present.
Parker is believed to be on holiday with relatives following the Wardley bout.
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A violation involving its use can result in a suspension of up to two years, although sanctions depend on the circumstances of each case and the governing bodies involved.
The findings from VADA are expected to be passed to UK Anti Doping and the British Boxing Board of Control, the authorities responsible for adjudicating anti doping matters in the United Kingdom.
Previous cases have shown the severity of potential penalties: in 2018, light heavyweight Liam Cameron received a four year ban after UKAD announced that he had tested positive for benzoylecgonine. Cameron denied any wrongdoing at the time.
Joseph Parker lost to Fabio Wardley in their boxing fight last month
|REUTERS
Parker, born in Auckland, relocated his family to Ireland to be closer to coach Andy Lee and his training base in Dublin.
The heavyweight enjoyed a notable rise after winning the WBO title against Andy Ruiz in 2016 and has compiled a record of 36 wins from 40 professional contests.
Until further information is released regarding the B sample and any forthcoming hearings, the timeline for his return to the ring remains unclear.