Amid the shocking news that he tested positive for cocaine on the day he lost to Fabio Wardley last month, former WBO heavyweight champion Joseph Parker issued the following statement on his Instagram account: "I want to address today’s news. Before my recent fight, I took a voluntary test and have now been informed that it returned and adverse result. This came as a real surprise to me. I did not take any prohibited substance, I do not use performance and handing drugs and do not support their use. I am cooperating fully with the process now underway, and I am confident investigation 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."

PRIOR BOXINGTALK COVERAGE

NOV. 14, 2025: The Sun, BBC and other outlets are reporting some shocking news about heavyweight contender Joseph Parker. On October 25th, a VADA drug test was administered to Parker. The following day, Parker lost his WBO interim championship to Fabio Wardley via eleventh-round technical knockout in a thrilling battle held in London. It has now been reported that Parker had traces of cocaine in his system for that final pre-fight drug test. Parker could face a suspension from boxing. As the fight took place in London, the matter is under the jurisdiction of UK Anti-Doping (UKAD) and the British Boxing Board of Control (BBBC). Parker must decide whether to have the B-sample tested to see if the positive test is confirmed. Assuming there was legitimately cocaine in Parker's system, that does not necessarily make him a cheater because cocaine is generally classified as a substance of abuse, not a performance enhancer.

Jhon Orobio KO2 Xolisani Ndongeni... On a boxing show at the Montreal Casino presented by Eye of the Tiger Management, junior welterweight Jhon Orobio knocked out the experienced South African Xolisani Ndongeni, dropping him twice in the second round. Orobio, originally from Cali, Colombia, and currently based in Montreal, dominated Ndongeni (33-8, 19 KOs) with right hands and short hooks, handing the 35 year-old veteran the earliest defeat of his fifteen-year professional career. Orobio improved his undefeated record to 16-0, with 14 victories by way of knockout.

Undisputed world heavyweight champion Oleksandr Usyk has confirmed his attendance at the WBC's Annual Convention, which will be held in Bangkok, Thailand, from November 30th to December 5th. Usyk does not currently have a fight scheduled.

The U.S. debut event for Manny Pacquiao Promotions is set for Nov. 29th at Pechanga Resort Casino in Temecula, California. The night of fights features former champion Lorenzo Parra (23-1-1, 17 KOs) against Elijah Pierce (21-2, 17 KOs), in what promises to be a clash of experience and power. The event will also mark the professional debut of Manny Pacquiao Jr., who looks to follow in his father’s legendary footsteps as he begins his own boxing journey against fellow debutant Brendan Lally. 

With true world 175-pound champion Dmitry Bivol taking his time on his next fight, the WBO wants its interim light heavyweight champion, Callum  Smith (pictured), to defend against David Morrell. According to WBO president Gustavo Olivieri, the WBO will grant the parties until tomorrow to reach terms. Failure to do so will result in the shecduling of purse bid proceedings. Smith (31-2) won the title in a grueling battle against Joshua Buatsi in February. Morrell got a split-decision win over Iman Khataev in July.

AUG 26, 2025: Sampson Boxing won a purse bid today and now has the right to promote an IBF heavyweight elimination bout between Cuba's Frank Sanchez and Nigeria's Efe Ajagba. Sampson's winning bid was $302,000, which will be split 60% for Ajagba and 40% for Sanchez, assuming both men accept the fight. A decision from the boxers to accept or decline is due in fifteen days. Top Rank, Ajagba's promoter, put up a losing bid for $210,000. Under IBF rules, Sampson must schedule the bout to take place within 28 and 90 days and not more than 90 days from today, which is Monday, November 24th. 

This will be a rematch of a ten-round fight in 2021 that Sanchez won by unanimous decision. The winner becomes the IBF mandatory contender for undefeated world champion Oleksandr Usyk, but the path to an actual title shot is unclear because Usyk owns all four major heavyweight titles which puts him in a position to pick and choose his fights. Sanchez (25-1 with 18 KOs) last fought in February, when he bounced back from his first career loss with a third-round knockout of Ramon Olivas Echeverria (18-25 with 12 KOs). Echeverria was once on the losing end of a fixed fight. Sanchez was fighting for the first time since his seventh-round knockout loss to Agit Kabayel in May of 2024. Though the win was hardly a challenge for Sanchez, it got him back into position for the IBF eliminator.

Ajagba (20-1-1) last fought in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia against 299-pound Martin Bakole. After ten rounds, Bakole was fortunate to come away with a draw against Efe Ajagba (pictured). After ten rounds, the judges adjudicated the bout 96-94 for Ajagba, 95-95 and 95-95, making it a majority draw. It wasn't a robbery, but Ajagba was more active, had superior ring generalship and seemed to land more punches. Bakole landed a few harder punches, and that was enough to convince two judges to award a stalemate.

AUG. 19, 2025: A purse bid for an IBF heavyweight eliminator is back on the books after a few previous postponements.. The promotional rights to a potential Frank Sanchez vs. Efe Ajagba rematch is scheduled to be  auctioned off on Tuesday, August 26, 2025 at 12 noon. Sanchez defeated Ajagba by unanimous decision in 2021, but with heavyweight contenders Filip Hrgovic and Derek Chisora jockeying for bigger fights, Sanchez and Ajagba are the two highest ranked fighters in the IBF ratings to enter the elimination process. Undefeated world champion Oleksandr Usyk owns all four major heavyweight titles, including the IBF version.

AUG. 11, 2025: The IBF announced that the Efe Ajagba vs. Frank Sanchez purse bid has been postponed until further notice.

AUG. 4, 2025: When Filip Hrgovic pulled out of the IBF heavyweight elimination process, on July 24th, the IBF ordered #3 ranked Efe Ajagba and #4 ranked Frank Sanchez to begin negotiations for an eliminator for the vacant #1 position. Derek Chisora sits at #2. Carl Moretti of Top Rank, representing Ajagba, confirmed that Ajagba would like to proceed straight to a purse bid, which is permitted under IBF rules. The IBF initially scheduled a purse for Tuesday, August 5th but that has now been pushed back one week until August 12th. Oleksandr Usyk owns all four major heavyweight titles, including the IBF version.

MAY 19, 2024: In a WBC heavyweight eliminator held on the big Riyadh, Saudi Arabia show, Agit Kabayel (25-0, 17 KOs) made a huge career move forward, stopping the favored and previously undefeated Frank Sanchez (24-1, 17 KOs)  in round seven. Kabayel defeated Sanchez with a strong body attack. The normally mobile Sanchez fought with a brace on his right knee. Kabayel is Kurdish but lives in Germany.

OCT. 10, 2021: Cuban heavyweight Frank Sanchez (19-0, 13 KOs) scored one knockdown on his way to a comfortable, ten-round unanimous decision win over Efe Ajagba. Sanchez used his superior boxing skills to keep the hard-hitting Ajagba (15-1, 12 KOs) off-balance for the entire fight. The “Cuban Flash” displayed his power as well, flooring Ajagba with a hard right in the seventh. A follow-up left hook which landed a tick after Ajagba’s knee hit the canvas Ajagba made it to his feet and survived the round but never seriously threatened on his way to the first defeat of his career. Sanchez said afterwards, "I knew I was going to win all the rounds because I’m much better than him technically. I knew that if I connected, he would fall and he did fall. My game plan was always to frustrate him and go in for the attack."

Tresean Wiggins D10 Lionell Omar Colón... In a bout defined by tactical exchanges and contrasting styles, Tresean “Trigger” Wiggins (17-5-4, 10 KOs) and Puerto Rico’s Lionell Omar Colón Santana fought to a majority draw in Wiggins' hometown, Johnstown, Pennsylvania. The official scorecards for this ten-round welterweight contest were 95–95, 96–94 for Wiggins and 96–94 for Colón. Wiggins, age 35, came in looking to solidify his regional standing after a string of knockout wins. From the opening bell, he pressed forward, applying constant pressure and trying to impose his pace with body and head combinations. Colón (8-1-1 with 3 KOs) was more technical and mobile. He countered effectively, relying on precision and timing to blunt Wiggins’ aggression throughout key moments of the fight. It was a cerebral, evenly matched contest—part tactical chess, part slugfest. Wiggins landed the heavier blows, while Colón showcased slick movement and sharp distance control. The 96–94 score for the American rewarded his offensive initiative; the identical card for the Puerto Rican recognized his cleaner punching. Both fighters showed respect after the majority draw verdict, and a rematch could be next.

Katsuma Akitsugi KO7 Vincent Astrolabio... In the ProBox chief support in Lakeland, Florida, Japan's Katsuma Akitsugi is now a legitimate bantamweight contender, having punished Vincent Astrolabio over seven rounds. Akitsugi moved to 14-0 with 4 KOs by scoring five knockdowns of his Filipino foe. The referee halted the contest as soon as Astrolabio went down for the fifth time. Punchstats had Akitsugi outlanding Astrolabio by more than 100 punches, 163-61. There was a cost to Akitsugi, however, as he sustained a cut over his right eye. It was a quality accomplishment for Akitsugi, as Astrolabio (20-6 with 15 KOs) holds a win over former world 122-pound champion Guillermo Rigondeaux and narrowly lost a world title challenge to Jason Moloney.

On Monday morning it was announced that the founder of SNAC Nutrition, Victor Conte, had passed away after a short but hard-fought battle with pancreatic cancer. He was 75 years old. Conte lived a long and productive life. No matter what you think of him, he made an impact and will be remembered. Those of us who counted him as a friend, just wish he was around a bit longer. My own personal history began with Victor at the beginning of 2010. I had written an article where I had stated that just because an athlete had continually tested clean for performance enhancing drugs that didn't mean that they necessarily 'clean'. After all, that was the purpose of taking such substances, of which, Conte and BALCO had become experts at concocting.

If I recall correctly, that particular article on Maxboxing.com was about Shane Mosley, who was involved with Conte prior to his rematch with Oscar De La Hoya in 2003. Later the two would wage a legal battle that played out very publicly over the comments made by Mosley, who claimed he took those substances unknowingly.

A day or two later after that article ran, I happened to get an email that had Victor's name attached to it. Being a rabid sports fan I was fully aware of who Victor was. The reality is that if you watched sports in the late 90's you understood the impact BALCO had on the world of sports [the Barry Bonds PED controversy]. I immediately asked if this was the supposedly notorious Victor Conte. He said he was, and within a few hours we were on the phone where we engaged in what would be the first of our long conversations.

I have to admit, it was surreal talking to Victor. I wasn't necessarily star-struck, but this was different than talking to a boxer or promoter (something I had already done numerous times). This former bass player for the 'Tower of Power' had become a mainstream figure in the sports world for how he helped shape history -- and the record books. Let's face it, most people that I had interviewed had never been featured on 20/20.

We quickly hit it off, and soon I would pen a piece featuring Victor's thoughts on PED's and drug testing in boxing. After a while it was my colleague at Maxboxing, Gabriel Montoya, that would more or less do most of the stories with him and this issue, that he had a keen interest in.

Regardless, Victor, quickly became a great source of information and knowledge for many of us that covered the sport of boxing. He was an incredibly valuable resource for all of us. We learned a lot and we heard some incredible stories. Victor was one of the two or three most intelligent people I have ever met. His memory and recall was astounding.

To some, he was a pariah, to others he was a pioneer. Both are probably true. After all, he did do a stint in federal prison for his role in BALCO, but as he regained his freedom, Victor vowed to become an agent of (positive) change, and an advocate for clean sports -- particularly boxing.

Now, he was not universally embraced and some were suspicious of his intentions. But many others were staunchly in his corner and believed in him. I have no problems admitting that I was one of them. That came with some slings and arrows itself, but hey, you understood that came with the territory. People can be very hypocritical in that way, they are willing to forgive and forget only when it suits their agenda.

His is a story of rehabilitation and redemption. They say that there are no second acts in American life, but with all due respect to F. Scott Fitzgerald, Victor showed that to be untrue. His was among the most unique and colorful lives in recent memory. Through it all, he was always unapologetically himself. Victor was a true renegade.

He never ran from his past. Victor wasn't proud of it, but he understood the role he played with the likes of Marion Jones, Tim Montgomery, Barry Bonds and many other world-class athletes. The SNAC facility walls are plastered with pictures and posters of just about everyone he worked with. I even have two BALCO t-shirts that he gave me. (And yeah, I consider them valuable possessions. When I wear them it usually becomes the topic of some interesting conversations.)

The one thing I truly admired about Victor is that he was not afraid to take a stand against anything or anybody. If you go to his Twitter timeline he did not hesitate to battle the most powerful figures in the sport of boxing (from sanctioning bodies to promoters). More than anybody, Victor understood that given his own past, he himself would be the subject of much derision. And he didn't care what the popular sentiment was, or how people perceived him.

Victor was tough, pugnacious, stubborn, committed and steadfast in his beliefs. There were times when I thought he shouldn't be so out-spoken, or perhaps dial back some of the things he posted. Y'know, that whole thing about less being more. But he felt that the hard truth spoke the loudest.

You can associate Victor for BALCO or SNAC. If you were honest about it, you'd understand that both are a vital part of his legacy. He'd be the first to tell you that.

Talk to anyone that was close to Victor and they will tell you that he is among the best allies and friends you will ever have. Generous beyond belief, and loyal to the very end. I'm going to miss his late night texts, and the lengthy chats with him over the phone. It was always a good time with Victor. The dinners were good, the drinks flowed and the laughs went on throughout the night.

I was lucky to have known him.

 DAZN has launched a new pricing plan known as DAZN Ultimate Tier. DAZN Ultimate Tier will be available as an annual subscription in 170 countries, including the United States for $44.99 per month, and in the United Kingdom for £25 per month. Yearly prices are $450 in the United States and £250 in the United Kingdom.  The new subscription level will continue to give fight fans a smorgasbord of bouts with 185+ fight nights but rolled into the package will be a minimum of 12 pay-per-views (PPV) per year. The move means more choice and flexibility in how viewers buy and watch world-class events, with pay monthly and up-front annual subscription options available.  DAZN Ultimate promises to give fans access to the most comprehensive lineup of live boxing and on-demand content in a single plan. DAZN's standard subscription members and non DAZN subscribers can still buy PPV events at separate one-off costs. Additionally, Ultimate subscribers in the UK and US get every Serie A match included in the offering and will also benefit from an enhanced viewing experience with HDR and Dolby 5.1 surround sound available for select events.

The launch is timed with a host of fights coming in the next two months exclusively on DAZN. That includes the PPV events Chris Eubank Jr. vs. Conor Benn 2, November 15th, and The Ring IV: Night of Champions, November 22nd, with David Benavidez, Anthony Yarde and Devin Haney in action. Following on December 27 is Ring V: Night of the Samurai, featuring Naoya Inoue. All three will be part of the new DAZN Ultimate plan.

In boxing, DAZN, the world’s leading sports entertainment platform, is home to the top promotions and partnerships in the world, including Riyadh Season, Ring Magazine, Oscar De La Hoya’s Golden Boy Promotions, Eddie Hearn’s Matchroom Boxing, and Frank Warren’s Queensberry Promotions, while also regularly partnering with Jake Paul’s Most Valuable Promotions. 

DAZN Ultimate plan launches in more than 170 countries, including the US and UK. Current and new subscribers can join via the DAZN app, website, and most connected devices.

Top bouts coming to DAZN through the remainder of the year, all included in the Ultimate plan are:

November 8 - Vergil Ortiz Jr. vs. Erickson Lubin

November 15 – Exclusive Pay Per View: Chris Eubank Jr. vs. Conor Benn 2

November 22 – Exclusive Pay Per View: Ring IV: Night of Champions: David Benavidez vs. Anthony Yarde

November 29 – Ben Whittaker vs. Benjamin Gavazi

December 13 – Shabaz Masoud vs. Peter McGrail

December 13 – Diego Pacheco vs. Kevin Lele Sadjo

December 27 – Exclusive Pay Per View: Ring V Night of the Samurai: Naoya Inoue vs. David Picasso

January 3 – Amanda Serrano vs. Erika Cruz 

Queensberry Promotions states that the pre-sale for the homecoming fight of heavyweight star Agit Kabayel has been a resounding success, illustrating the appetite for major heavyweight boxing in the region. The fight between Kabayel, the WBC interim titlist, and undefeated Damian Knyba of Poland, is scheduled for Saturday, January 10th and will take place at the Rudolf-Weber Arena in Oberhausen. The ticket pre-sale launched on Wednesday for the entry of Queensberry into the German market. Tickets for this heavyweight showdown are now on general sale and the event is expected to sell-out quickly. Kabayel and his opponent Knyba met at the opening press conference close to Dusseldorf on Wednesday, sparking an enormous interest from the German media.

“The reaction to our announcement of bringing big-time heavyweight boxing back to Germany has been incredible,” said Hall of Fame promoter Frank Warren. “Agit Kabayel is a genuine star of boxing and now he will get the recognition he deserves in his homeland, where the sport has traditionally always been a major draw. Germany will represent an important market for Queensberry from the beginning of 2016 and Agit will spearhead our campaign as he moves towards his shot at becoming undisputed world champion.”