Joseph Parker – former heavyweight world champion tests positive for cocaine

Former world heavyweight champion Joseph Parker faces a possible boxing ban after testing positive for cocaine.

The 33-year-old New Zealander failed a drug test on the day of his fight with Fabio Wardley on October 26. Sun., external

He was tested by the Voluntary Anti-Doping Agency (Vada) on October 25.

Sources have confirmed to BBC Sport that Parker tested positive for recreational drugs, not performance-enhancing drugs.

Parker could be banned for two years, but could also be suspended for as little as three months, depending on the circumstances.

Any ban will be issued by UK Anti-Doping (Ukad) and the British Boxing Board of Control (BBBC).

However, Ukad did not conduct this test and will need to conduct his own investigation.

Queensberry was informed of the failed test by Vada.

The BBC has contacted Vada, Parker’s promoters Queensberry and the BBBC for comment.

Boxer Liam Cameron was given a four-year ban in 2019 after testing positive for benzoylecgonine, the metabolic acid of cocaine, but the rules have since changed; Rugby League player Adam Rusling has been handed a three-month ban in 2024 after testing positive for cocaine and MDMA.

Parker was hoping to put himself in a position against undisputed champion Oleksandr Usyk but was upset by British fighter Wardley at the O2 Arena.

Parker was the heavyweight champion between 2016 and 2018, and his reign was ended by Britain’s Anthony Joshua in Cardiff.