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New Zealand heavyweight Joseph Parker faces a possible ban after failing a drug test on October 25, the same day he lost to Fabio Wardley. Queensberry Promotions confirmed that the Voluntary Anti-Doping Association (VADA) reported an “adverse finding.”
What the Test Revealed
- Traces of a cocaine metabolite were found in Parker’s sample.
- This was not a performance-enhancing drug violation, but it is still considered a doping infraction under UK rules.
- According to UK anti-doping regulations, he could face up to a two-year ban if the case is upheld.
Parker’s Response
- Parker said the result was a “real surprise.”
- He added he has “co-operated fully” with the investigation so far.
- He denied knowingly ingesting any banned substances. Joseph
Next Steps
- The British Boxing Board of Control (BBBofC) is expected to determine the length of any suspension.
- Because it’s a VADA test, the result will also likely be reviewed by UK Anti-Doping (UKAD).
- Parker’s team can ask for a B-sample test, which could either clear or confirm the adverse finding.
Why This Matters
- Parker was in line for a major fight—he was poised to challenge Oleksandr Usyk for the undisputed heavyweight title.
- A ban could stall or derail his comeback momentum following his loss to Wardley.
- It also brings reputational risk: even though cocaine isn’t seen as a performance drug, its presence in a fight week sample raises serious questions.
