Boxing: Parker Denies Taking ‘Any’ Prohibited Substances

Former world heavyweight champion Joseph Parker has denied taking “any prohibited substance” after testing positive for cocaine.

The 33-year-old New Zealander was tested by the Voluntary Anti-Doping Association (Vada) on 25 October.

On the same day, he was beaten by Britain’s Fabio Wardley at London’s O2 Arena.

Parker tested positive for the recreational drug, and not performance-enhancing drugs, while his promoted confirmed there had been an “adverse finding” on Friday.

“Before my recent fight, I took a voluntary test and have now been informed that it returned an adverse result,” Parker wrote on his Instagram account.

“This came as a real surprise to me.

“I did not take any prohibited substance, I do not use performance-enhancing drugs and do not support their use.

“I am co-operating fully with the process now under way, and I am confident the investigation will clear my name.”

Parker, who has 36 wins from his 40 professional fights, could receive a two-year ban but could also be suspended for as little as three months depending on circumstances.

Any ban would be handed down by UK Anti-Doping (Ukad) and the British Boxing Board of Control (BBBC).