The Sun: Parker Failed a Drug Test Before Wardley Fight

The Sun reports that former heavyweight world champion Joseph Parker returned a positive VADA doping test on the day of his bout against interim WBO heavyweight champion Fabio Wardley.

According to the outlet, Parker was tested by the Voluntary Anti-Doping Association (VADA), and traces of cocaine metabolites were found in his system on fight day.

Parker’s team has the right to request testing of the B-sample.

The metabolite detected — benzoylecgonine — typically remains in urine for about four days, indicating Parker likely had contact with the substance during the final week of training.

VADA will now forward its findings to UKAD and the British Boxing Board of Control, and Parker could face a two-year suspension.

In the fight itself, Parker lost to Wardley by 11th-round knockout.