Former heavyweight world champion Joseph Parker is confronting a potential two-year suspension from professional boxing after testing positive for the banned substance cocaine.
The Failed Test and Its Timing
The adverse finding was confirmed by a source to Sky Sports News, revealing that traces of the illicit drug were discovered in a routine test administered by the Voluntary Anti-Doping Agency (VADA).
The test was conducted on 25 October, the very same day the 33-year-old New Zealand boxer suffered a defeat to Britain's Fabio Wardley.
Details of the positive test only became public knowledge on Friday, sending shockwaves through the boxing community and casting serious doubt on Parker's future in the sport.
Official Statements and Investigation
Sky Sports News has reached out to Parker's manager for a comment on the developing situation.
In an official statement posted on X, Frank Warren's Queensbury Promotions acknowledged the finding, stating: "The Voluntary Anti-Doping Association [VADA] last night informed all required parties that Joseph Parker returned an adverse finding following an anti-doping test conducted on October 25 in relation to his bout with Fabio Wardley."
The promotional company added, "While the matter is investigated further, no additional comment will be made at this time."
Career Implications and Recent Form
This positive test comes at a devastating time for Parker's career. According to Sky Sports News, he entered the fight against Wardley in arguably the best form of his career.
Following a 2022 defeat to Joe Joyce, Parker embarked on an impressive six-fight winning streak. This run included notable victories over formidable opponents Deontay Wilder and Zhilei Zhang, which led to him claiming the WBO interim title.
Parker, who lost his world champion belt to Anthony Joshua back in 2018, had been positioning himself for another title shot. He risked his status as the WBO mandatory challenger to undisputed champion Oleksandr Usyk by accepting the fight with Wardley.
His planned fight against then-IBF champion Daniel Dubois in February was also scrapped after Dubois fell ill just days before the event. The failed drug test now presents the most significant obstacle yet to his boxing career.
