Former heavyweight world champion Joseph Parker is facing a potential suspension after testing positive for cocaine ahead of his October fight against Fabio Wardley.
Reports first surfaced in The Sun stating that Parker returned a positive sample on 25 October, a day before the bout. The test was carried out by the Voluntary Anti-Doping Agency (Vada), and sources have confirmed to BBC Sport that the substance involved was a recreational drug rather than a performance-enhancing one.
Possible Ban Under UK Rules
The 33-year-old New Zealander could be sidelined for up to two years. However, under current regulations, cases involving recreational substances can lead to much lighter punishments. Depending on the investigation and circumstances, Parker’s suspension could be reduced to as little as three months.
Any official action would be taken by UK Anti-Doping (Ukad) and the British Boxing Board of Control (BBBC). Because Ukad did not collect the sample, they must now run their own process before issuing any sanction. Vada has already notified Parker’s promoters, Queensberry Promotions, of the failed test. The BBC has approached Vada, Queensberry and the BBBC for comment.
Past Cases Offer Mixed Precedents
Boxer Liam Cameron received a four-year ban in 2019 after testing positive for benzoylecgonine, a cocaine metabolite. But more recent decisions suggest a shift in approach. Rugby league player Adam Rusling was given a three-month suspension in 2024 for a similar offence involving cocaine and MDMA.
Setback in Parker’s Career Plans
The news is an added blow for Parker, who had hoped a win over Wardley at the O2 Arena would move him closer to a potential title shot against undisputed champion Oleksandr Usyk. Instead, he suffered an upset defeat, halting his progress in the heavyweight division.
Parker, who won the WBO heavyweight belt in 2016 and defended it twice before losing to Anthony Joshua in 2018, has 36 wins from 40 professional fights. The outcome of Ukad’s investigation will determine how quickly he can return to the ring.
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