'Total shock': Former world heavyweight boxing champion Joseph Parker failed drug test, promoter says
Former world heavyweight boxing champion Joseph Parker failed a drug test on the day of his loss to Fabio Wardley, Queensberry Promotions announced.
British fighter Wardley stopped his opponent from New Zealand in the 11th round at the O2 Arena in London late October, in a contest to determine who would become the WBO mandatory challenger to undisputed world champion Oleksandr Usyk.
The BBC reports Parker tested positive for cocaine and not performance enhancing drugs.
READ MORE: Raiders boss fumes over 'very lucky' Broncos draw
READ MORE: Exiled Aussie boxer's fight against ban for 'embarrassing' act
READ MORE: 'Won't sit back': Broncos boss defiant on Haas' R360 link
“The Voluntary Anti-Doping Association last night informed all parties that Joseph Parker returned an adverse finding following an anti-doping test conducted on the 25th of October in relation to his bout with Fabio Wardley,” Queensberry said in a statement.
Joseph Parker (L) and Fabio Wardley punch on during their heavyweight fight. Richard Pelham via Getty Images
“While the matter is investigated further, no additional comment will be made at this time.”
Parker could receive a two-year ban but could also be suspended for as little as three months depending on circumstances.
Parker's UK manager Spencer Brown told Reuters: "We are in total shock at the findings.
"It is very early days and we will get to the bottom of it all."
Parker won the vacant WBO title in December 2016 when he beat Andy Ruiz Jr. on a majority decision.
He then lost the belt to Anthony Joshua on a unanimous decision in March 2018 at the Principality Stadium in Cardiff.
The 33-year-old Parker has not commented about the news on his social media channels.
Parker, who has a record of 36-4 with 24 KOs, faces a potential lengthy ban by the British Boxing Board of Control, which did not immediately respond to a request for comment. The WBO also has not yet responded.
