Former world heavyweight champion Joseph Parker is facing a potential suspension from boxing after testing positive for cocaine.

The 33-year-old New Zealander failed a drugs test on the day of his fight against Fabio Wardley on 26 October. The test was conducted by the Voluntary Anti-Doping Association (VADA) on 25 October.

Sources have confirmed to BBC Sport that Parker tested positive for the recreational drug cocaine, and not for performance-enhancing substances.

Parker’s promoter, Queensberry Promotions, said:
“Joseph Parker returned an adverse finding in relation to his bout with Fabio Wardley. While the matter is investigated further, no additional comment will be made.”

The former champion could face a ban of up to two years, although sanctions could be as short as three months depending on the circumstances. Any suspension would be imposed by UK Anti-Doping (UKAD) and the British Boxing Board of Control (BBBC). UKAD did not administer the test and will need to conduct its own investigation.

Previously, boxer Liam Cameron received a four-year ban in 2019 after testing positive for benzoylecgonine, a metabolite of cocaine. Rules have since changed, with rugby league player Adam Rusling receiving a three-month suspension in 2024 after testing positive for cocaine and MDMA.

Parker had been aiming for a potential showdown with undisputed heavyweight champion Oleksandr Usyk but was defeated by Briton Fabio Wardley at the O2 Arena.

Parker held the heavyweight title from 2016 to 2018 before losing it to Britain’s Anthony Joshua in Cardiff.