UK Anti-Doping has revealed that Joseph Parker’s positive cocaine test was caused by contamination linked to a nutritionist working with the former heavyweight champion.
Parker tested positive after providing a urine sample following his October 2025 fight with Fabio Wardley at London’s O2 Arena. The result led to a provisional suspension, although Parker consistently denied knowingly taking cocaine or any banned substance.
According to UKAD, Parker submitted evidence in March showing that the adverse finding came from exposure to cocaine used by his nutritionist. The nutritionist admitted being a regular cocaine user and said he had taken the drug daily during the week leading up to Parker’s fight.
After reviewing expert evidence, UKAD concluded that any cocaine ingestion by Parker occurred out of competition and in circumstances unrelated to sporting performance. His provisional suspension was therefore lifted, allowing him to return to boxing.
Parker accepted a three-month period of ineligibility, but that punishment was deemed already served between November 25, 2025 and February 24, 2026 because of the time he had spent provisionally suspended.
The 34-year-old is now cleared to resume his career after more than seven months away from the ring. His last appearance ended in an 11th-round stoppage defeat to Wardley, which snapped a six-fight winning streak.
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