Former WBO heavyweight champion Joseph Parker is waiting for a decision from the UK Anti-Doping agency on a positive drug test following his November loss to Fabio Wardley.
Parker tested positive for a recreational drug after the bout, which ended in an 11th-round TKO defeat. Parker disputes the result, saying he believes his sample was contaminated. He has provided evidence to back his case.
"It is frustrating because I know I did nothing wrong," Parker said. "The frustrating part is that there's this thing looming over me all the time. It probably has damaged my reputation, being called a drug cheat and being caught up in all this."
Parker said the delay is particularly difficult because he believes his remaining time in the sport is limited. "I only have a few years. It's not the start of my career, it's closer to the end," he said. "If I can get a decision soon, I want to give everything I have left to boxing and be involved in the big fights."
The New Zealand boxer said he had found it challenging to maintain motivation while awaiting the outcome, but said he would pursue any major fight opportunities if cleared to compete again. "As soon as my name is cleared, I'll fight anyone and everyone," he said.
A fight with Daniel Dubois that was scheduled for February 2025 was cancelled. Parker accepted responsibility for the defeat but backed himself to win a rematch with Wardley, saying "I lost the fight and on that day. Wardley was the better man. But is he the better fighter? No way. I know I can beat him and I know I will beat him if I fight him again."