JOSEPH PARKER has vowed to clear his name after it emerged that he failed a drugs test ahead of his fight with Fabio Wardley.
SunSport exclusively revealed on Friday that the New Zealand heavyweight tested positive for cocaine in the build up to his Wardley bout.
Parker, 33, failed the drugs test on October 25, the day of his 11th round KO defeat to Wardley at London‘s 02 Arena.
In a statement posted to social media, the father-of-six revealed his “surprise” at his test result.
His social media post read: “I want to address today’s news.
“Before my recent fight I took a voluntary test and have now been informed that it returned an adverse result. This came as a real surprise to me.
Park the bus
Joseph Parker facing YEARS out with boxing ban after positive cocaine test
“I did not take any prohibited substance, I do not use performance enhancing drugs and do not support their use.
“I am cooperating fully with the process now underway, and I am confident the investigation will clear my name.
“Thank you to everyone who has sent messages of support. It means a great deal to me and my family.
“When the investigation is complete, I will speak openly and answer questions.”
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Parker’s team will have an opportunity to have the B-sample tested.
Cocaine metabolite benzoylecgonine traces typically remain in urine for around four days, meaning Parker must have contracted the drug in the crucial fight week build-up.
Parker may now be facing years out with a potential ban.
The Voluntary Anti-Doping Agency, who tested Parker, will hand their findings over to Uk Anti-Doping and the British Boxing Board of Control who police and punish doping in tandem.
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TIME for round two of this generation’s family feud!
Chris Eubank Jr and Conor Benn go punch-for-punch once again as both rivals look to make their fathers proud.
The blockbuster rematch takes place at the 62,000-seater Tottenham Hotspur Stadium on Saturday, November 15.
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