Joseph Parker failed drugs test on day of heavyweight defeat – promoter

Joseph Parker is punched by Fabio Wardley. Photo / Photosport

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Kiwi heavyweight boxer Joseph Parker failed a drugs test on October 25, the day of his shock loss to Fabio Wardley in London, his promoter announced Friday.

The 33-year-old former world champion suffered an 11th-round stoppage defeat by British boxer Wardley, in a fight concluding shortly before midnight local time,
and lost his status as WBO mandatory challenger for undisputed heavyweight champion Oleksandr Usyk.

“The Voluntary Anti-Doping Association (Vada) last night informed all required parties that Joseph Parker returned an adverse finding following an anti-doping test conducted on October 25 in relation to his bout with Fabio Wardley,” promoters Queensberry said in a statement.

“While the matter is investigated further, no additional comment will be made at this time.”

An initial report in UK tabloid the Sun said Parker had tested positive for cocaine, but this has not been confirmed.