Former world heavyweight champion, Joseph Parker has been accused of taking cocaine just days before his fight against Fabian Wardley, as his UK manager verified reports of the New Zealander testing positive on the day of the fight.
The former world champion, 33, was tested by VADA (Voluntary Anti-Doping Agency) on October 25, and an adverse finding has now been revealed. Parker failed the test, with the cocaine metabolite benzoylecgonine showing up in the findings.
In most cases, the B-sample shows up with exactly the same result, and VADA will give their findings to the BBBoC (British Boxing Board of Control). The governing body will then decide on any potential punishment for Parker, which could end up being a lengthy ban from boxing.
According to one boxing expert, Parker could have taken the drug as little as 48 hours before fight night.
‘Cocaine is water soluble – eliminated when one urinates and sweats – and only stays in the system around 48 hours,’ the expert tweeted. ‘Can be longer with heavy use. But casual use usually 48 hours and three days max.’
Meanwhile, the National Drug and Alcohol Screening Association (NDASA) says cocaine can be detected in urine up to four days after consumption.
Spencer Brown, who manages Parker in the UK, gave his instant reaction to the bombshell findings.
He said: “We are in total shock at the findings, we are just waiting to speak to Joe, David Higgins and his promoter Frank Warren. It’s very early days and we will get to the bottom of it all.”
The New Zealander is currently on holiday but will have the opportunity to have his B-sample tested.
Even though cocaine is considered a recreational rather than a performance-enhancing drug, he could still face years out of the sport. Back in 2018, a British boxer was banned for four years after he tested positive for benzoylecgonine, a metabolite of cocaine, though he denied any wrongdoing.
Parker is a father of six and was with his wife and children during the week of the Wardley fight, which he lost via an 11th-round stoppage. The heavyweight and his promoter are yet to comment on the failed test.
Parker previously missed a World Boxing Council imposed drug test because of a holiday eight years ago in 2017. His promoter at the time explained he missed the test after his win because he had extended his holiday and failed to update the VADA system of his change of plans.
Parker had been the favourite to win the Wardley fight but was upset by the Brit at the O2 Arena. He had given up his mandatory challenger status to fight Wardley instead, a decision which proved costly. Parker’s record is 36 wins with 24 knockouts, and he has been in the ring with major competitors.
