Parker tests positive for cocaine, he denies taking prohibited substance

Queensberry Promotions have confirmed Joseph Parker failed a drug test on Oct. 25, the day of his fight against Fabio Wardley in London. The boxer has however denied that he took ‘any substance’, “ESPN” reports.

Parker was stopped in round 11 by Wardley in London on October 25 and lost his status as WBO mandatory challenger for undisputed heavyweight champion Oleksandr Usyk.

Writing on Instagram, Parker said: “I want to address today’s news. 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.”

“Thank you to everyone who has sent messages of support. It means a great deal to me and my family. When the investigation is complete, I will speak openly and answer questions.”

Parker’s promotional company Queensberry had also released a statement on Friday morning.

“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 25 October in relation to his bout with Fabio Wardley,” Queensberry said in a statement on Friday.

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

Parker had positioned himself for a potential fight against Usyk after six-straight wins including victories over Deontay Wilder, Zhilei Zhang and Martin Bakole.

However, he could face a ban depending on the outcome of the investigation.