Last month the boxing world was left stunned when it emerged that Joseph Parker had tested positive for cocaine on the day of his crucial heavyweight clash with Fabio Wardley.
The New Zealander met Wardley at London’s O2 Arena with world-title implications at stake. In a thrilling contest, both men traded heavy shots, but it was Wardley who prevailed via 11th-round stoppage.
Weeks later, it was reported that Parker had failed a Voluntary Anti-Doping Association (VADA) test for cocaine –– a substance that is not performance-enhancing. Even so, the former WBO heavyweight champion could still face disciplinary action from the British Boxing Board of Control, who handed Liam Cameron a four-year ban in 2018 after he tested positive for the same drug.
Following the revelation, Parker initially issued a statement.
“Before my recent fight I took a voluntary test and have now been informed that it returned an adverse result. This came as a real surprise to me.
“I did not take any prohibited substance, I do not use performance enhancing drugs and do not support their use.
“I am cooperating fully with the process now underway, and I am confident the investigation will clear my name.”
Parker had hoped that victory over Wardley would secure him a shot at then-undisputed champion Oleksandr Usyk. Instead, Usyk opted to vacate his WBO title rather than defend against Wardley, elevating the Brit from interim belt-holder to full world champion.
In a new interview with Boxing King Media, Parker provided an update on the situation.
“We’re going through a process and everything will come out very soon, and all I can say is that I did nothing wrong. I did nothing wrong in camp, nothing wrong before the fight, and it’ll come out soon. I’m ready to go again once I get my name cleared –– lock me in for another fight as soon as possible.”
Parker was reminded that even if he is cleared, some may continue to doubt him. The 33-year-old responded.
“Where I stand now is why should I care what other people think? There’s always going to be people that support you, there’s always going to be people that hate you and want to see you fail. I do not care. I live a good life. I’m very blessed.”