Former world heavyweight champion Joseph Parker has publicly denied using any prohibited substances after a routine drugs test returned a positive result. The test, administered by the Voluntary Anti-Doping Association (VADA), was taken on the day of his fight against Fabio Wardley last month.
Parker's Public Statement on Instagram
Addressing the situation directly on social media, the New Zealand boxer expressed his shock at the adverse finding. Writing on Instagram, Parker stated: "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."
He was unequivocal in his denial, adding: "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." Parker confirmed he is cooperating fully with the investigation and expressed confidence that the process would clear his name.
The Fight and Its Consequences
The positive test casts a shadow over what was a pulsating encounter at London's O2 Arena on 25 October. Parker and Ipswich-born Wardley battled to determine who would become the WBO mandatory challenger to undisputed world heavyweight champion Oleksandr Usyk.
Having put together an impressive six-fight winning streak, Parker had been next in line to face Usyk. However, he put his mandatory challenger status on the line in London and suffered an 11th-round stoppage. This defeat, combined with the failed drugs test, could now see the 33-year-old sidelined from the ring for a significant period.
Official Responses and Next Steps
Parker's promotional company, Queensberry, released a statement confirming that VADA had informed all required parties of the adverse finding from the test conducted on 25 October. The company stated that no additional comment would be made while the matter is investigated further.
In his Instagram post, Parker also thanked supporters, saying: "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."
Auckland-born Parker became world champion in 2016 before losing his WBO belt to Anthony Joshua in Cardiff two years later. He has been a frequent visitor to the UK, fighting eight times in total and relocating to Dublin for training camps with highly-regarded trainer Andy Lee.
