Parker denies taking cocaine

Compiled by Scott Shaffer

15/11/2025

Parker denies taking cocaine

Amid the shocking news that he tested positive for cocaine on the day he lost to Fabio Wardley last month, former WBO heavyweight champion Joseph Parker issued the following statement on his Instagram account: "I want to address today’s news. Before my recent fight, I took a voluntary test and have now been informed that it returned and adverse result. This came as a real surprise to me. I did not take any prohibited substance, I do not use performance and handing drugs and do not support their use. I am cooperating fully with the process now underway, and I am confident investigation 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."

PRIOR BOXINGTALK COVERAGE

NOV. 14, 2025: The Sun, BBC and other outlets are reporting some shocking news about heavyweight contender Joseph Parker. On October 25th, a VADA drug test was administered to Parker. The following day, Parker lost his WBO interim championship to Fabio Wardley via eleventh-round technical knockout in a thrilling battle held in London. It has now been reported that Parker had traces of cocaine in his system for that final pre-fight drug test. Parker could face a suspension from boxing. As the fight took place in London, the matter is under the jurisdiction of UK Anti-Doping (UKAD) and the British Boxing Board of Control (BBBC). Parker must decide whether to have the B-sample tested to see if the positive test is confirmed. Assuming there was legitimately cocaine in Parker's system, that does not necessarily make him a cheater because cocaine is generally classified as a substance of abuse, not a performance enhancer.

OCT. 26, 2025: Fabio Wardley seems to have landed himself a shot at world heavyweight champion Oleksandr Usyk with a stunning finish against Joseph Parker after once again being well behind on the scorecards at London's O2 Arena. Wardley now has both the WBA and WBO interim titles. A relentless attack from Wardley in round eleven had Parker, a former WBO champion, in trouble, and as he sagged on the ropes looking to recover, and even though he was avoiding some of Wardley’s attacks, referee Howard Foster decided that he had seen enough and halted the contest. Many are criticizing the stoppage as premature. Wardley made a good start in the contest and had Parker buzzed in round two, but that was as good as it got for him in the early stages as Parker began to dominate the middle rounds and was pulling ahead with the judges. 
 
With the fight seemingly Parker’s to lose, he went on the front foot in round ten seeking a knockout, but hurting Wardley was his major mistake as he galvanized his opponent.  Wardley shook off whatever Parker had to throw at him and came back with assaults of his own as he finished the round with a furious rally despite looking hurt and exhausted just seconds earlier.  Coming out for the penultimate round, Wardley carried on where he left off in the tenth stanza as he went after Parker with all he had. Some shots landed, plenty missed, but with Parker on the ropes and looking shook, Foster decided to call the fight off.  In the post-fight interview, Wardley made it clear that he wanted to face Usyk next.
 
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