Joseph Parker Faces Ban After Cocaine Positive Test

Joseph Parker Tests Positive for Cocaine, Faces Potential Ban

Former WBO world heavyweight champion Joseph Parker is under investigation after testing positive for cocaine on the eve of his October 26 bout against Fabio Wardley.

The 33-year-old New Zealander could now face a ban from boxing, with the length depending on the outcome of the investigation and circumstances surrounding the test.

When Was the Test Conducted?

Parker was tested by the Voluntary Anti-Doping Association (VADA) on 25 October, one day before he faced Wardley at London’s O2 Arena.

Sources confirmed to BBC Sport that the substance found was cocaine, classified as a recreational drug – not a performance-enhancing drug.

What Have Officials and His Team Said?

Queensberry Promotions, Parker’s promoter, issued a brief statement:

“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.”

His UK manager Spencer Brown expressed shock:

“We are in total shock at the findings. It is very early days and we will get to the bottom of it all.”

What Happens Next?

Although VADA conducted the test, the responsibility to issue any ban lies with UK Anti-Doping (UKAD) and the British Boxing Board of Control (BBBC).

• UKAD did not administer the test and must conduct its own investigation before imposing any sanctions.

• Possible suspension ranges from 3 months to 2 years, depending on mitigating factors like intent, timing, and cooperation.

Precedent Cases in Boxing & Sports

• Liam Cameron was banned for 4 years in 2019 for cocaine metabolites.

• But under revised regulations, rugby league player Adam Rusling received just a three-month ban in 2024 for testing positive for both cocaine and MDMA.

The outcome of Parker’s case could set a precedent under the evolving regulatory stance toward recreational drugs in boxing.

Career Setback for Parker

The positive test comes at a crucial juncture in Parker’s career:

• He had targeted a potential title shot against unified champion Oleksandr Usyk.

• His recent loss to Fabio Wardley at the O2 Arena now compounds his professional and personal challenges.

Parker held the WBO heavyweight title from 2016 to 2018, losing it to Anthony Joshua in a unification bout in Cardiff.