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Former world champion Joseph Parker speaks for the first time since positive drugs test
Former WBO heavyweight champion Joseph Parker has spoken publicly for the first time since he tested positive for cocaine on October 25, the day he was stopped by Fabio Wardley at London's O2 Arena.
Three weeks after the loss to Wardley, it was revealed that Parker had returned a positive result for cocaine following a routine test by the Voluntary Anti-Doping Agency (VADA) on the day of his meeting with Wardley.
In the immediate aftermath, a post by Parker on Instagram saw the New Zealander describe the situation as 'a real surprise' whilst also being confident about the investigation to clear his name.
Joseph Parker 'devastated' after positive cocaine drugs test
Parker made his first public appearance since the news on Saturday when he was ringside supporting IBF cruiserweight champion Jai Opetaia who made a successful defence of his title against Huseyin Cinkara.
Speaking to Boxing Scene, Parker is hoping the 'devastated' feeling can be quickly erased with a smooth and quick investigation which he hopes will clear his name.
"I was devastated. You have to do all these voluntary drug tests in camp and then all of a sudden you get a bit of a surprise and shock that you fail on a fight day," Parker said when reflecting on the moment he found out about the positive test.
"So, I’m just gonna go through the process of trying to get it cleared, and I want to be in the ring as soon as possible."
When it came to explaining how cocaine may have ended up in his body on the day of his clash with Wardley, Parker stated that an explanation will be provided once the investigation has concluded.
"Listen, I think the team – we’re doing everything we can to get it solved. There’s a process to follow, and once that is completed, everything will come out, you know?"
Joseph Parker expects to fight again despite drugs test
If Parker is unsuccessful in getting his name cleared, then he will be hit with a two-year ban despite cocaine not being a performance-enhancing substance.
However, the 33-year-old is confident that he will be back inside the ring sooner rather than later.
"Very confident. I’m very confident I will fight again," Parker responded when asked whether he sees himself fighting again.
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When it comes to when Parker expects to give an update on the investigation, he believes one is on the horizon regarding what comes next.
The Kiwi said: "Very soon, you know. There’s the process. It’s a bit of a process. It’s getting the team to get it sorted, and once it’s all cleared I’m ready to come back again."
If Parker does not get his name cleared and is hit with a ban, it will be a huge detriment to his place at the top of the heavyweight division with various fighters manoeuvring themselves towards a date with Oleksandr Usyk, or at least the chance to fight for one of his three remaining belts if he decides to vacate for any reason.
Parker's former foe Wardley is the first to benefit from an Usyk title vacation after the Ipswich man was upgraded from the WBO's interim titleholder to the organisation's full champion.
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