The fallout from Joseph Parker’s failed drugs test continues, with the New Zealand heavyweight appealing the decision and his trainer, Andy Lee, describing the situation as a “worst nightmare.” The positive test, revealed after Parker’s shock defeat to Fabio Wardley in October, initially indicated trace amounts of cocaine, throwing Parker’s career into uncertainty.
Lee, speaking to talkSPORT, expressed his shock at the news. “It really rocked me,” he said. “As a coach, it’s your worst nightmare to find out one of your fighters has failed a drugs test, but the situation is quite strange.” He highlighted the unusual nature of the positive test for a substance not considered performance-enhancing, suggesting it was “probably the worst thing you could do going into a fight is take cocaine.”
The process following the failed Voluntary Anti-Doping Association test has been shrouded in secrecy. Parker released a statement in November expressing his surprise and confidence in being cleared, and now appears to be mounting a robust defense. Lee revealed that an “internal investigation” has been conducted by Parker’s team, including manager David Higgins, and that evidence supporting Parker’s innocence is expected to come to light.
“There has been an internal investigation as a team… and Here’s not for me to say right now but it will come out,” Lee stated. He confirmed that Parker is working with UK-based lawyers to appeal the decision, though the length of any potential ban and the official ruling remain unknown. “He doesn’t know how long he’s banned for, he doesn’t know what the ruling is yet, but there will be an appeal and Joe is quite confident he will be exonerated.”
The defeat to Wardley, a relatively inexperienced fighter, was a significant setback for Parker, who had been on a resurgent run of form with victories over Deontay Wilder, Zhilei Zhang, and Martin Bakole. The bout was intended as a final eliminator for a potential unification clash with Oleksandr Usyk, a fight that now appears distant. Usyk has since vacated the WBO title, with Wardley being upgraded to full WBO heavyweight world champion.
Adding to the complexity of the situation, it has been revealed that Parker entered the fight with a pre-existing physical issue. According to reports, Parker experienced a badly upset stomach due to a late change in his pre-fight nutrition. This occurred after a training camp where Parker was consistently with his wife Laine and their six children.
Lee defended Parker’s performance, acknowledging the inherent unpredictability of heavyweight boxing. “When you’re in a fight you can have all the best plans in the world but sometimes you’ve got to fight,” he said. “Joe was winning the fight, he was using his jab well, but you have to give the fighter some autonomy. He felt at times he could take Wardley out.” He also praised Wardley’s “great fighter’s mentality and a great fighter’s heart,” acknowledging the Englishman’s resilience in a hard-fought contest.
The situation remains fluid, with Parker currently training overseas with Tyson Fury while awaiting the outcome of his appeal. David Higgins, Parker’s manager, offered little additional information, stating simply that “the process continues to be in progress.” Attempts to reach Oceania’s WBO representative for comment have been unsuccessful.
The lack of transparency surrounding the case has drawn criticism, echoing frustrations experienced in similar situations within the sport. As Parker fights to clear his name, the boxing world awaits further developments, hoping for a swift and just resolution to this complex and damaging situation. The outcome will not only determine Parker’s future in the ring but also shed light on the processes and protocols surrounding drug testing in professional boxing.
