It was reported and confirmed yesterday that a test carried out by the Voluntary Anti-Doping Agency on the day of Joseph Parker’s heavyweight battle with Fabio Wardley came back positive for traces of cocaine in the New Zealander’s system.
Parker lost the back and forth battle by eleventh round stoppage, surrendering his WBO Interim Heavyweight title as a result, as well as his mandatory position for undisputed champion Oleksandr Usyk.
Yesterday, The Sun reported that all relevant parties had been notified of the failed test. The results were passed to the UK Anti-Doping Agency and the British Boxing Board of Control for further investigation.
Parker has now spoken out via Instagram, denying taking ‘any prohibited substance.’
“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.”
The process will now play out, though how long it will take remains the be seen.
