Boxing star Joseph Parker has insisted he will “clear my name” after the shock revelation that he returned an adverse drugs test ahead of his knockout defeat to Fabio Wardley - a result he says left him stunned and which he firmly denies reflects any deliberate wrongdoing.
The 33-year-old New Zealander, a father of six, is now facing the prospect of a lengthy suspension after traces of the cocaine metabolite benzoylecgonine were allegedly detected in a sample taken on October 25, the day of his bout at London’s O2 Arena.
Parker went on to suffer an 11th-round stoppage in the fight, but the real fallout has arrived two weeks later, as the Voluntary Anti-Doping Association (VADA) notified him of the result.
Parker took to social media to respond within hours of the news emerging, telling fans he was blindsided by the finding.
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“I want to address today’s news,” he wrote.
“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.
“I am cooperating fully with the process now underway, and I am confident the investigation will clear my name.”
Five facts about boxing that fans might not know | GBNEWS/PA
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 | GETTYHe went on to thank supporters: “Thank you to everyone who has sent messages of support.
“It means a great deal to me and my family. When the investigation is complete, I will speak openly and answer questions.”
The testing procedure is not yet complete.
Parker’s camp will have the right to request analysis of the B-sample, a crucial step that could confirm or contradict the initial findings.
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Joseph Parker lost to Fabio Wardley in their boxing fight last month | REUTERSAnti-doping experts note that benzoylecgonine typically stays detectable in urine for around four days, suggesting any exposure would have occurred in the final stages of Parker’s fight preparations.
He has given no indication as to how the substance might have entered his system.
The case has now moved into the hands of the governing bodies responsible for policing the sport.
VADA will pass its dossier of findings to UK Anti-Doping (UKAD) and the British Boxing Board of Control (BBBofC), who will jointly determine whether charges should be brought and what sanctions could follow.
Current regulations allow for a two-year suspension in cases involving cocaine when used in-competition, although previous rulings show significant variation: Sheffield’s Liam Cameron was handed a four-year ban in 2019 after returning a similar result, while rugby league player Adam Rusling received a three-month suspension last year under updated guidelines.
Parker’s camp have been left reeling.
Shortly after news broke, a source close to the former WBO champion’s team told The Sun: “I am absolutely shocked.
Joseph Parker's camp have been left stunned by the news | REUTERS“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.”
Those close to him insist nothing in his behaviour or preparations suggested any breach of anti-doping rules.
The situation comes at a delicate point in Parker’s career, having rebuilt momentum in recent fights and positioning himself for potential future world title opportunities.
A prolonged ban would derail those ambitions, while any clearance from UKAD would restore his path forward.
For now, Parker says he is placing his confidence in the investigation and the B-sample process, maintaining that he has never knowingly taken a banned substance and is determined to provide answers once the inquiry concludes.