Former WBO heavyweight champion Joseph Parker has been cleared to resume his boxing career after the provisional suspension imposed following a positive cocaine test was lifted.
The 34-year-old New Zealander tested positive for cocaine in a sample collected by the Voluntary Anti-Doping Association (VADA) on 25 October, the same day he suffered a defeat to Britain’s Fabio Wardley at London’s O2 Arena.
Parker has consistently maintained that he did not knowingly consume any prohibited substance. The positive result initially left him facing the possibility of a suspension of up to two years, with any disciplinary outcome subject to review by UK Anti-Doping (UKAD) and the British Boxing Board of Control (BBBofC).
The British Boxing Board of Control has now confirmed that Parker’s provisional suspension has been removed, allowing him to return to competition while the remaining procedural matters are completed. No further details have been released regarding the decision or any ongoing review.
Parker announced that he expects to return to the ring in the near future but said he would not comment further until the process has been finalised.
UK Anti-Doping has not issued a public update. Although VADA conducted the original test, UKAD would be responsible for carrying out its own investigation before determining whether any further action is required.
Parker owns a professional record of 36 victories and four defeats. He held the WBO heavyweight title between 2016 and 2018 before losing the belt to Anthony Joshua in Cardiff, and has remained among the leading contenders in the heavyweight division throughout his career.