Parker Blames Nutritionist's Cocaine Use For Failed Test

Former heavyweight world champion Joseph Parker has told British anti-doping authorities that cocaine use by a member of his team led to a failed drug test following his October bout with Fabio Wardley.

Parker argued to officials that his nutritionist's personal drug use contaminated a sample collected after the fight, per ESPN. The New Zealander fought Wardley to a split draw at the Kingdom Arena in Riyadh on the undercard of Artur Beterbiev-Dmitry Bivol.

What Parker's Explanation Means For Comeback Plans

The former WBO champion has not fought since the Wardley stalemate. British anti-doping protocols require fighters to provide evidence when claiming third-party contamination as a defence for positive tests.

Parker, 32, has won two of his last three fights — both knockout victories over Deontay Wilder and Zhilei Zhang in 2024. His team has not announced a return date while the case remains under review.

Reported via:

• ESPN Boxing — Parker: Failed test from nutritionist's cocaine use