Former world heavyweight champion Joseph Parker has been cleared to resume his boxing career after his provisional suspension for a positive cocaine test was lifted.
The 34-year-old New Zealander was provisionally suspended after returning an adverse analytical finding from a test conducted by the Voluntary Anti-Doping Association (VADA) on 25 October.
The sample was collected on the same day Parker lost to British heavyweight Fabio Wardley at London’s O2 Arena.
Parker Confirms Return
Speaking after the suspension was lifted, Parker said he was looking forward to returning to competition.
“I’m pleased to confirm my provisional suspension is lifted and I’ll be back in the ring soon.”I’ve been advised to say no more for now while details are finalised. Thank you to all my supporters.”
Parker has consistently denied knowingly taking any banned substance.
Investigation Continues
The boxer had faced the possibility of a suspension of up to two years, with any final sanction to be determined by UK Anti-Doping (UKAD) in conjunction with the British Boxing Board of Control.
The British Boxing Board of Control confirmed that Parker’s provisional suspension has been lifted but declined to comment further.
BBC Sport reported that UKAD, which did not supervise the original VADA test, would still need to complete its own investigation before any final decision is reached.
Former world championParker owns a professional record of 36 victories and four defeats. He captured the WBO heavyweight title in 2016 before losing it to former unified world champion Anthony Joshua in Cardiff in 2018.
With the provisional suspension now removed, Parker is expected to begin preparations for his return to the heavyweight division while the remaining procedural details are concluded.
