Full Breakdown
Former Heavyweight Champion Joseph Parker’s Positive Cocaine Test Traced to Nutritionist
8/6/2026, 9:13:29 PM
Core Event
Former world heavyweight champion Joseph Parker tested positive for trace amounts of cocaine after his 25 October 2025 loss to Fabio Wardley at London’s O2 Arena. The UK Anti-Doping (Ukad) investigation concluded that the finding resulted from Parker’s exposure to cocaine used by the nutritionist he employed for the bout. Parker received a three-month suspension but remains eligible to fight again. He has consistently denied knowingly ingesting any banned substance.
Background & Context
Parker, 34, entered the Wardley fight after a period of preparation that included regular consultations with a nutritionist. Ukad’s review identified the nutritionist as a “regular user of cocaine” who allegedly consumed the drug daily in the week leading up to the match. Parker’s defence rested on evidence that the cocaine entered his system indirectly, rather than through personal use.
Timeline
- 25 October 2025 – Parker is tested by the Voluntary Anti-Doping Association (Vada) on the day of the fight and subsequently loses to Wardley.
- Early hours of 26 October 2025 – Ukad records a positive analytical finding for cocaine.
- 6 March 2026 – Parker submits evidence to Ukad asserting that the adverse finding stemmed from his nutritionist’s cocaine use.
Official Statements & Responses
Ukad released a statement confirming the nutritionist’s regular cocaine consumption and acknowledging Parker’s submission of evidence on 6 March 2026. No further disciplinary action was indicated.
Verbatim Quotes
- “On 6 March 2026, Mr Parker provided Ukad with evidence claiming that the adverse analytical finding was the result of his exposure to cocaine used by the nutritionist he had employed in preparation for the bout on 25 October 2025.” — Ukad
