Parker Denies Taking 'any Prohibited Substance'

Former world heavyweight champion Joseph Parker has denied taking "any prohibited substance" aft testing affirmative for cocaine.

The 33-year-old New Zealander was tested by nan Voluntary Anti-Doping Association (Vada) connected 25 October.

On nan aforesaid day, he was beaten by Britain's Fabio Wardley astatine London's O2 Arena.

Sources person confirmed to BBC Sport that Parker tested affirmative for nan recreational drug, and not performance-enhancing drugs, while his promoted confirmed location had been an "adverse finding" connected Friday.

"Before my caller fight, I took a voluntary trial and person now been informed that it returned an adverse result," Parker wrote connected his Instagram account.

"This came arsenic a existent astonishment to me.

"I did not return immoderate prohibited substance, I do not usage performance-enhancing narcotics and do not support their use.

"I americium co-operating afloat pinch nan process now nether way, and I americium assured nan investigation will clear my name."

Parker, who has 36 wins from his 40 master fights, could person a two-year prohibition but could besides beryllium suspended for arsenic small arsenic 3 months depending connected circumstances.

Any prohibition would beryllium handed down by UK Anti-Doping (Ukad) and nan British Boxing Board of Control (BBBC).

Ukad, however, did not administer this trial and will request to behaviour its ain investigation.

The BBC has contacted Vada and nan BBBC for comment.

"When nan investigation is complete, I will speak openly and reply questions," added Parker.

Parker was hoping to put himself successful position for a conflict against undisputed champion Oleksandr Usyk, earlier he mislaid to Wardley.

Parker was WBO heavyweight champion betwixt 2016 and 2018, pinch his reign ended by Britain's Anthony Joshua successful Cardiff.