Key Highlights
- Joseph Parker tested positive for cocaine on the day of his fight against Fabio Wardley.
- The adverse analytical finding was revealed on November 14, 2025.
- Parker had all his family members with him during his camp, making it surprising he failed the test.
- Team Parker has the opportunity to have the B-sample tested, but in most cases, results are identical.
The Shocking Doping Scandal: Joseph Parker Fails Cocaine Test on Day of Fight
In a surprising twist that shakes up the world of boxing, former world champion Joseph Parker tested positive for cocaine on October 25, 2025, the day before his fight against Fabio Wardley. The revelation came to light on November 14, 2025, underlining the strict anti-doping policies in place.
The incident occurred when Parker was tested by the Voluntary Anti Doping Agency (VADA) for a routine drug test. A source close to Parker’s camp confirmed the shocking news: “I am absolutely shocked. This has been the first camp where Joe has all of his family around.” The presence of his wife and children in Ireland and London, according to the source, made it even more surprising that Parker failed the drugs test.
Timeline and Testing Procedures
The adverse analytical finding was reported on Friday morning. Team Parker retains the opportunity to have the B-sample tested, a process typically undertaken when initial results are inconclusive or contested. However, in the vast majority of cases, the A and B sample results are identical.
Background on Parker’s Career
The 33-year-old New Zealand heavyweight has had an illustrious career, with a record of 36 wins including 24 KOs, and four defeats. Previously, he missed a World Boxing Council (WBC) imposed drug test in 2017 due to holiday plans that were not updated on the VADA system.
The incident raises questions about how Parker managed to bring cocaine into his camp despite rigorous testing procedures. Benzoylecgonine, the main inactive metabolite of cocaine, can remain detectable in urine for several days after use, which explains why standard drug tests focus on this compound rather than cocaine itself.
Implications and Future Prospects
The potential consequences are severe, with Parker facing a possible two-year ban. While cocaine is not considered a performance-enhancing drug (PED), its detection in athletes’ systems during competition week remains a serious offense. The incident also highlights the ongoing challenge of ensuring complete compliance among professional fighters.
As the fight against doping continues to evolve, this case serves as a stark reminder of the stringent measures in place and the potential penalties for non-compliance.
The boxer’s team is currently in discussions with both VADA and UKAD (United Kingdom Anti-Doping) regarding the findings.
The revelation comes at a time when the boxing community is closely monitoring the fight landscape, particularly after Fabio Wardley stopped Parker in the 11th round of their October 2025 bout. The unexpected turn of events will undoubtedly impact both fighters’ careers and future prospects.
SunSport’s source expressed disappointment: “This has been the first camp where Joe has all of his family around. The camp had gone great, and he put on a good performance in a great fight.” The source’s statement underscores the shock and disbelief surrounding this doping scandal.
The case will be closely watched by boxing authorities as they continue to enforce anti-doping regulations and maintain the integrity of the sport. As investigations progress, more details may emerge that could affect Parker’s career trajectory.
