WBO heavyweight champion Joseph Parker missed a drug test earlier this year as a part of the WBC’s Clean Boxing Program, though his promoter has moved to explain the issue.
The WBC – whose Program is administered by Vada – confirmed that Parker missed a drug test after his May 6 victory over Razvan Cojanu.
However a spokesperson for Duco Events, Parker’s promoter, confirmed to Stuff that the missed test was merely an oversight.
“Joseph extended his holiday following the Cojanu bout on May 6 and didn’t update the Vada system of his change of plans,” they said.
“A couple of weeks ago drug testers went to his residence in Las Vegas [where Parker trains] and he had said he was going to be in camp there but he had changed his plans and was in Samoa at the time.
“There is no hiding, it’s an oversight.”
Vada’s policy states than an athlete is open to punishment if they miss two or more tests; this is the first time Parker has missed a test.
Vada testing involves informing the organisation where you are going to be for one hour per day every day of the year.
Parker is currently preparing to defend his title against mandatory challenger Hughie Fury on September 23 in Manchester.
“A missed test doesn’t mean you’ve been doping, it just means you’ve been careless,” the Duco spokesperson continued.
“In this case it’s just that Joseph didn’t update the Vada system and he was on holiday at the time. There is no hiding the fact he missed a drug test and he has to take it on the chin.
“Joseph is back in camp in Vegas for the next eight weeks and Vada can stop by at any time of the day or night if they want to see him.”
The WBC confirmed that Parker’s situation is “in the process of results management protocol,” as are those of four other fighters who missed tests: Bermane Stiverne, J’Leon Love, Kyotara Fujimoto and Tevin Farmer.
