Former world heavyweight champion Joseph Parker’s nutritionist was the reason traces of cocaine were found in a UK Anti-Doping (Ukad) test on the day of his defeat to Fabio Wardley, according to an investigation conducted by Ukad.

The New Zealander is free to fight again after serving a three-month suspension and has always denied knowingly taking any banned substances.

Parker, 34, was able to gather sufficient evidence to prove his adverse test was the result of his exposure to cocaine used by the nutritionist.

A statement by Ukad stated the nutritionist Parker had employed in preparation for his fight with Wardley was a “regular user of cocaine”.

Ukad said: “On 6 March 2026, Mr Parker provided Ukad with evidence claiming that the adverse analytical finding was the result of his exposure to cocaine used by the nutritionist he had employed in preparation for the bout on 25 October 2025.

“The nutritionist stated that he was a regular user of cocaine and had used cocaine daily in the week leading up to the bout.”

Parker was tested by the Voluntary Anti-Doping Association (Vada) on 25 October.

On the same day, he was beaten by Briton Wardley at London’s O2 Arena.

Parker also failed a UK Anti-Doping (Ukad) test in the early hours of 26 October.