Joseph Parker breaks silence after testing positive for cocaine hours before last fight

He released a statement on Instagram.

The fight took place last month and Parker lost to Wardley.

Parker's UK manager confirmed that the New Zealand boxer had tested positive for cocaine on the day of the bout.

While the governing body is deciding on a potential punishment for Parker, the boxer has released a statement himself.

Taking to Instagram, the boxer wrote: '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.

"Thank you to everyone who has sent messages of support. It means a great deal to me and my family.

"When the investigation is complete, I will speak openly and answer questions."