Joseph Parker: “I Did Not Take Any Banned Substances”

Former Heavyweight world champion Joseph Parker has issued a statement in response to reports that he returned a positive drug test on the day of his fight against Britain’s Fabio Wardley.

“I want to address today’s news. Before my recent fight, I took a voluntary test, and I have now been informed that it returned an adverse finding. This came as a complete surprise to me.

I did not take any banned substances, do not use performance-enhancing drugs, and do not condone their use. I am fully cooperating with the process that has begun and am confident the investigation will clear my name.

Thank you to everyone who has sent messages of support — it means a lot to me and my family.

When the investigation is over, I will speak openly and answer every question,” Parker wrote.