It was reported and confirmed yesterday that a test carried out by the Voluntary Anti-Doping Agency on the day of the heavyweight fight between Joseph Parker and Fabio Wardley came back positive for the presence of traces of cocaine in the New Zealander’s system.
Parker lost the back-and-forth battle via eleventh-round stoppage, giving up his WBO Interim Heavyweight title, as well as his mandatory position to undisputed champion Oleksandr Usyk.
Yesterday, The Sun reported that all parties involved had been informed of the failed test. The results were forwarded to the UK Anti-Doping Agency and the British Boxing Board of Control for further investigation.
Parker has now spoken out via Instagram, denying consuming “any banned substance.”
“I want to address today’s news.
Before my recent bout I took a voluntary test and have now been informed that it gave an unfavorable result. This was a real surprise for me.
I have not taken any banned substances, I do not use performance enhancing drugs and I do not support their use.
I am fully cooperating with the ongoing process and am confident that the investigation will clear my name.
Thanks to everyone who sent messages of support. It means a lot to me and my family.
Once the investigation is complete, I will speak openly and answer questions.
The process will now unfold, although how long it will take remains to be seen.
