Former world heavyweight boxing champion Joseph Parker is facing a potential suspension after returning a positive test for cocaine ahead of his bout with Fabio Wardley on 26 October.
The 33-year-old New Zealander failed a Voluntary Anti-Doping Association (VADA) test conducted on 25 October. Sources have confirmed to BBC Sport that the result relates to a recreational substance, not a performance-enhancing drug.
Parker’s promoter, Queensberry Promotions, acknowledged the result, saying:
“Joseph Parker returned an adverse finding in relation to his bout with Fabio Wardley. While the matter is investigated further, no additional comment will be made.”
Possible Ban Ranges From Months to Two Years
Although the test came from VADA, any punishment would be issued by UK Anti-Doping (UKAD) and the British Boxing Board of Control (BBBC). Because UKAD did not conduct the original test, it will need to carry out its own investigation before determining sanctions.
Under current rules, Parker could face anything from a three-month suspension to a two-year ban, depending on circumstances and intent.
Previous cases highlight how sanctions have evolved:
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Liam Cameron received a four-year ban in 2019 for benzoylecgonine — a cocaine metabolite.
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But the landscape shifted, with rugby league player Adam Rusling receiving just three months in 2024 for cocaine and MDMA.
A Blow to Parker’s Comeback Plans
The timing is particularly damaging for Parker, who had hoped a win over Wardley would secure a path toward a showdown with undisputed champion Oleksandr Usyk. Instead, he suffered an upset defeat at London’s O2 Arena.
Parker previously held the WBO heavyweight title from 2016 to 2018, before losing it to Britain’s Anthony Joshua in Cardiff.
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