A routine test by the New Zealander given to the Voluntary Anti-Doping Association (VADA) on the day of his bout against Fabio Wardley last month returned a positive result, reportedly for cocaine, and leaves Parker with a battle to prove his innocence.

Writing on Instagram, Parker said: “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. 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.”

Ipswich-born Wardley and New Zealander Parker produced a pulsating encounter at O2 Arena on October 25

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