Former heavyweight world champion Joseph Parker dey deny say he take “any prohibited substance” afta dem find cocaine for ein system. The 33-year-old New Zealander, wey Voluntary Anti-Doping Association (Vada) test am on 25 October, dey insist say he no do anything wrong.
The test happen the same day wey Britain ein Fabio Wardley beat am for London O2 Arena. Sources confirm give BBC Sport say Parker test positive for the recreational drug, no be performance-enhancing drugs. Ein promoter confirm say dem find “adverse finding” on Friday.
“Before my recent fight, I take voluntary test and dem inform me say e return adverse result,” Parker write for ein Instagram account. “E shock me proper.”
He continue, “I no take any prohibited substance, I no dey use performance-enhancing drugs and I no dey support dem ein use. I dey co-operate fully with the process wey dey go on now, and I dey confident say the investigation go clear my name.”
Parker, wey get 36 wins from ein 40 professional fights, fit chop two-year ban but e fit be suspended for as little as three months depending on the circumstances. UK Anti-Doping (Ukad) and the British Boxing Board of Control (BBBC) go hand down any ban.
Ukad, however, no administer this test and dem go need conduct dem ein own investigation. The BBC don contact Vada and the BBBC for comment.
“When the investigation complete, I go speak openly and answer questions,” Parker add. Parker dey hope say he go put himself for position for fight against undisputed champion Oleksandr Usyk, before he lose to Wardley.
What Next for Joseph Parker?
The outcome of the investigation go determine Parker ein future for boxing. If dem find am guilty of using cocaine, e fit face significant ban wey go derail ein career. However, if he fit prove ein innocence, he go fit continue ein pursuit of another world title shot.
Key Points to Note:
- Joseph Parker dey deny say he take cocaine.
- He tested positive on the day wey he lose to Fabio Wardley.
- He fit face up to two-year ban.
- Investigation dey go on to determine the full facts.