New Zealand heavyweight boxer Joseph Parker has been cleared to return to the ring after his provisional suspension was lifted following a failed voluntary anti-doping test last October, putting months of career uncertainty behind him as he prepares for a comeback.
The suspension stemmed from a voluntary fight-day anti-doping test administered by the Voluntary Anti-Doping Association (Vada) on 25 October. Parker failed the test following his 11th-round stoppage defeat to British heavyweight Fabio Wardley at London’s O2 Arena, where trace elements of cocaine were detected in his system.
“There’s this thing looming over me all the time. It probably has damaged my reputation, being called a drug cheat and being caught up in all this. A drug cheat is someone doing steroids. But anyone who failed a drug test is labelled a drug cheat. But I know I did nothing wrong. I’ve given all the evidence I can to prove my innocence. Now we’re just waiting on the judgement and the final decision. Hopefully they can look at everything we’ve provided and make a decision soon. I want to carry on with my career and my life.”
Joseph Parker, former WBO heavyweight champion, via RNZ
The British Boxing Board of Control confirmed to BBC Sport that the provisional suspension had been lifted, though general secretary Robert Smith noted the governing body cannot make any further comment at this stage. Ukad, which did not oversee the original Vada test, would need to carry out its own investigation, according to reporting.
Confirmation and Immediate Return Plans
Parker released a statement on Wednesday confirming the positive development regarding his career status and expressing gratitude to those who stood by him.
Breakin' News^^^^^Joseph Parker Has Been Cleared To Fight!…
“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.”
Joseph Parker, former world heavyweight champion, via 1News, RNZ, BBC
Speculation about an imminent return had been building in the days prior to the official announcement. Parker posted a video of him training, with the caption “Loading……… followed by social media outreach asking if heavyweight fighters around the world were reedy and available to fly down to New Zealand and fight this Saturday, August 8. Paffen Sport also shared a post carrying an hourglass emoji alongside reference to the Joseph Parker return.
“Please join me in backing David Nyika for his world title eliminator this Saturday on TVNZ+. I believe Nyika will win this fight and secure a world title shot for New Zealand.”
The high-stakes event at Eventfinda Stadium is co-promoted by Duco Events and Parker’s own promotional outfit, Parker Promotions, with backing from Auckland Council’s events arm. The stacked fight card features multiple heavyweight bouts, including Hemi Ahio against Kiki Toa Leutele and Alex Leapai Junior meeting Arsene Fosso, alongside a crossover bout between former Warriors winger Manu Vatuvei and former All Blacks centre Rene Ranger.
