New Zealand’s former heavyweight world champion Joseph Parker failed a drug test on the day he fought the United Kingdom’s Fabio Wardley last month, manager Frank Warren’s Queensberry Promotions has confirmed.

British media had previously reported that the 33-year-old had tested positive for traces of cocaine and could face a lengthy ban from the sport.

“The Voluntary Anti-Doping Association (VADA) last night informed all required parties that Joseph Parker returned an adverse finding following an anti-doping test conducted on the 25th October in relation to his bout with Fabio Wardley,” Queensberry said in a statement on Friday.

“While the matter is investigated further, no additional comment will be made at this time.”

Wardley stopped fight-favourite Parker in the 11th round at Lon

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