2026-08-05 15:54:42
Joseph Parker has been cleared to resume his boxing career after his provisional suspension following a positive cocaine test was lifted, paving the way for the former world heavyweight champion to return to the ring.
The 34-year-old New Zealander said he expects to fight again soon after the British Boxing Board of Control confirmed the suspension had been removed.
The decision follows Parker’s Voluntary Anti-Doping Association (Vada) test on 25 October, the same day he was defeated by Britain’s Fabio Wardley at London’s O2 Arena.
Parker, who has consistently denied knowingly taking any banned substance, had faced the prospect of a suspension of up to two years while the matter was considered by the relevant authorities.
On Wednesday (05.08.26), the British Boxing Board of Control confirmed his provisional suspension had been lifted, although it declined to comment further.
UK Anti-Doping, which did not oversee the original test, would be responsible for conducting its own investigation into any potential disciplinary proceedings.
Announcing the development, Parker said: “I’m pleased to confirm my provisional suspension is lifted and I’ll be back in the ring soon.
“I’m been advised to say no more for now while details are finalised. Thank you to all my supporters.”
Parker’s return clears a significant hurdle in the career of one of heavyweight boxing’s most recognisable figures.
The New Zealander compiled a professional record of 36 victories and four defeats, capturing the WBO heavyweight title in 2016 before holding the belt until 2018.
He eventually lost the championship to Anthony Joshua in Cardiff, a defining contest that remains one of the standout bouts of his career.
Parker has since rebuilt his position among the heavyweight contenders, earning victories over a number of leading opponents before suffering defeat to Wardley in October.
The positive test emerged after Vada conducted drug testing on 25 October, with Parker subsequently placed under provisional suspension while the matter was reviewed.
Throughout the process, Parker maintained he had not knowingly taken any prohibited substance.
The British Boxing Board of Control confirmed to BBC Sport that the provisional suspension had been lifted, but said it “cannot make any further comment at this stage”.
BBC Sport also reported UK Anti-Doping had been contacted regarding the case.
The organisation did not oversee the original Vada test and would need to undertake its own investigation before determining whether any further action is required.
Parker remains one of New Zealand’s most successful professional boxers, with his reign as WBO heavyweight champion and his title fight against Joshua among the defining moments of his career.
His victory over Andy Ruiz Jr, his contests with Dillian Whyte, Joe Joyce and Deontay Wilder, and his long-standing presence in the heavyweight division have established him as one of the sport’s leading figures over the past decade.
With his provisional suspension now lifted, Parker is free to resume preparations for his next bout while the remaining regulatory processes continue.
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