Joseph Parker Cleared to Fight After Anti-Doping Investigation Relating to Positive Cocaine Test

Former world heavyweight champion Joseph Parker has been reinstated to fight after arguing that his positive drug test was caused by his nutritionist’s cocaine use. Following his defeat to Fabio Wardley on October 25 at the O2 Arena in London, Parker faced provisional suspension after urine tests conducted by UK Anti-Doping (UKAD) revealed traces of cocaine in his system.

On Thursday, UKAD confirmed that Parker would serve a three-month ban, which had already been deemed served since he had been suspended since late November. The anti-doping organization concluded that any cocaine ingestion by Parker occurred outside of competition and was not linked to enhancing his sports performance, as cocaine is prohibited only during competition.

Parker maintained to investigators that he “did not knowingly or intentionally use cocaine,” claiming the positive test was due to exposure from his nutritionist. UKAD’s decision included a statement from the nutritionist, who admitted to being a regular cocaine user and using the drug daily from October 17 to 24, 2025, in the hotel room where he prepared meals for Parker.

An independent scientific expert for UKAD found that Parker likely administered cocaine out-of-competition, suggesting it may have been ingested orally through food contaminated by his nutritionist. By June, UKAD confirmed to Parker that they accepted the expert’s findings, leading to the lifting of the provisional ban and the imposition of a three-month ban.

Parker accepted the ruling on July 28 and recently announced on social media that he would be “back in the ring soon.” Parker won the vacant WBO title in December 2016 after defeating Andy Ruiz Jr. but lost the title to Anthony Joshua in March 2018 by unanimous decision.

Special Credits: Image Courtesy of Espn