Former world heavyweight champion Joseph Parker has denied taking any banned substance after being notified of an adverse anti-doping result stemming from the day of his stoppage loss to Fabio Wardley.
The 33-year-old, beaten in the 11th round on October 25, said he was stunned to learn of the finding, which cost him his position as WBO mandatory challenger to Oleksandr Usyk.
Promoters Queensberry confirmed that VADA informed all parties of the result, adding that no further comment would be made while the investigation continues.
Parker insisted he has never used performance-enhancing drugs and is fully cooperating with the process. UK reports claim he tested positive for cocaine, though this has not been officially confirmed.
The New Zealander had rebuilt momentum with six straight wins over major names including Deontay Wilder, Zhilei Zhang and Martin Bakole, putting him in line for another world-title opportunity.
He now faces the prospect of a ban depending on the investigation’s outcome.
Parker, who first claimed the WBO title in 2016 before losing it to Anthony Joshua two years later, says he is confident his name will be cleared.
