2025-12-09 12:02:25

Joseph Parker’s manager Spencer Brown has insisted the boxer’s failed drug test was the result of a “contaminated” substance rather than intentional ingestion.

The former WBO heavyweight champion, 33, tested positive for traces of cocaine in a Voluntary Anti-Doping Association (VADA) sample taken on the day of his October stoppage loss to Fabio Wardley, 30, placing him at risk of a two-year ban.

Brown said Parker had been left stunned by the result and stressed that the team already understands how the substance entered his system.

When iFL TV asked Brown how Lupesoliai La’auliolemalietoa was doing, he said: “Yeah, good, I’ve just been out with him. He’s in good spirits. He was contaminated.

“We know how it’s all happened. Everybody will find out in due course. It will be public knowledge very soon. It’s been very harsh on Joe.”

The manager added that Parker would never jeopardise a training camp with drug use.

He said: “We know it’s got into his system, but it certainly hasn’t been taken or ingested by him, that’s for certain. You’d have to be a mental person to do that in fight camp, wouldn’t you.”

Parker – who had been next in line for an undisputed title shot at Oleksandr Usyk, 38, before losing his mandatory status to Wardley – admitted he was “devastated” when informed of the result.

Speaking to BoxingScene, he said: “You start questioning everything. You start questioning ‘Why did I have that cup of tea?’ Or ‘Why did I do this?’ Or ‘Why did I do that?’ I’ve never failed a drugs test before, so it was a surprise and shock.”

Parker explained that the anti-doping process is now fully underway

He said: “There’s a process that you have to deal with VADA; you have to deal with UKAD, [UK Anti-Doping] and the promoters and everyone that’s involved.

“It’s a process that everyone has to follow in order to get cleared.”

Despite the looming threat of suspension, Parker remains confident his name will be cleared.

He said: “I’m very confident I will fight again.”

The heavyweight has continued training and recently travelled to Australia to support IBF cruiserweight champion Jai Opetaia, 30, who defeated Huseyin Cinkara, 40, with a one-punch knockout.

Parker also insisted that his lifestyle no longer resembles that of a young fighter prone to mistakes.

He said: “Have I ever taken recreational drugs? In the past I’ve enjoyed myself… but now, after every fight, all I do is go home to the wife and kids. My life is on track.”

Emotionally, Parker maintains he has nothing to fear.

He said: “I was shocked. But emotionally, I know I did nothing wrong … All the other drugs tests came back negative. It just doesn’t make any sense.”

A formal ruling is expected in the coming weeks, and Parker says he will be “ready to come back again” once the investigation concludes.

Visit Bang Premier (main website)