Former WBO world heavyweight champion Joseph Parker failed a drugs test for cocaine on the day of his 11th-round stoppage defeat by Fabio Wardley, it has been revealed.
The 33-year-old was tested by the Voluntary Anti-Doping Agency (VADA) and the adverse analytical finding was revealed on Friday morning, per a report in The Sun.
Two sources close to Team Parker have conveyed their dismay to The Ring at the findings, for which he has an opportunity to have his B-sample tested.
In most cases however, the A and B-sample results are identical and traces of cocaine, known as benzoylecgonine, can be detected in urine for several days after taking the drug – meaning it would have been taken at some stage during fight week.
Parker (36-4, 24 KOs) is said to be currently on holiday, and while eager for redemption after his latest defeat, his manager David Higgins told The Ring there was no expectation on his charge to return for a ‘little while’ before this development.
The VADA will now handover their findings to UKAD and the British Boxing Board of Control, who oversee doping and punish offenders.
Although cocaine is a recreational drug and not performance-enhancing, the Kiwi could potentially face a two-year suspension.
