Parker Is Back After Doping Ban Lifted

Joseph Parker (33-3, 21 KOs) is back after the UK Anti-Doping lifted the provisional suspension that kept the former WBO heavyweight champion out of the ring for more than seven months, with the New Zealander confirming he expects to return soon.

"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

The suspension stemmed from a VADA test taken on the night of his October 25th bout with Fabio Wardley at London's O2 Arena. The sample returned positive for benzoylecgonine, a metabolite of cocaine. Under anti-doping rules, cocaine is classified as a recreational substance rather than a performance-enhancing drug.

Parker denied any knowing use throughout, maintaining the result was the product of contamination and submitting evidence and witness statements to support that position during the UKAD and British Boxing Board of Control investigation.

The ruling returns one of the division's most credible contenders to the picture. Before his 11th-round stoppage loss to Wardley, Parker had rebuilt impressively — defeating Deontay Wilder, Zhilei Zhang and Martin Bakole in succession to put himself back in world title contention. That momentum stalled overnight when the test result emerged. Now, with the suspension gone, the question is simply who is next.