Doping body says Joseph Parker’s positive cocaine test caused by nutritionist
New Zealand boxer Joseph Parker has been cleared to return to the ring after a three-month ban for a positive cocaine test. UK Anti-Doping determined the positive result was caused by accidental exposure to the substance through his nutritionist.
Why it matters
The case highlights the complexities of anti-doping regulations in professional sports and the potential for career-altering consequences due to third-party actions.
Joseph Parker says he forgives the man responsible for his failed drug test after being cleared to return to boxing by United Kingdom Anti-Doping.
The 34-year-old New Zealander tested positive for cocaine on the day of his shock loss to Fabio Wardley in London in October last year after a voluntary drug test.
However, United Kingdom Anti-Doping (UKAD) this week cleared Parker’s drugs ban, noting his positive test was down to his nutritionist.
Parker has always denied knowingly taking any banned substances, and UKAD said the nutritionist he employed ahead of his fight with Wardley was a “regular user of cocaine”.
Speaking on Mike Hosking Breakfast on Newstalk ZB, Parker said he was relieved to be cleared of the accusations and that he remained friends with his nutritionist.
“He wanted to do everything that he could to make it right,” Parker said.
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