Joseph Parker tests positive for cocaine as ex-heavyweight world champion faces drugs ban

Joseph Parker is facing a drugs ban after testing positive for cocaine on the day of his heavyweight defeat by Fabio Wardley.

As first reported by The Sun, the New Zealander tested positive on October 26 in the lead up to being stopped in the 11th round by Wardley in an entertaining and bruising battle at London’s O2 Arena – with the victor set for a showdown with undisputed champion Oleksandr Usyk next.

Parker was tested by the Voluntary Anti Doping Agency (VADA) on October 25.

The 33-year-old could receive a two-year ban but could also be suspended for as little as three months depending on circumstances. Cocaine is a recreational drug, not a performance-enhancing one.

Any ban would be handed down by UK Anti-Doping (UKAD) and the British Boxing Board of Control (BBBoC).

UKAD, however, did not administer this test and will need to conduct their own investigation.

Parker is currently on holiday but will have the opportunity to have his B-sample tested.

In most cases the B-sample shows up with exactly the same result and VADA will give their findings to the BBBoC (British Boxing Board of Control).

Parker was heavyweight world champion between 2016 and 2018 before losing to Anthony Joshua by unanimous decision.