Joseph Parker is allowed to box again following the lifting of his provisional suspension. The former WBO world champion has already announced that he will make a comeback soon.
Joseph Parker can continue his career. The British anti-doping agency UKAD has lifted the provisional suspension of the former WBO world champion. This means the 34-year-old New Zealander is once again officially allowed to step into the ring. Parker had tested positive for cocaine following his loss to Fabio Wardley. The sample was taken on the day of the fight, which the New Zealander lost in the eleventh round. Since then, Parker has maintained his innocence and stated that he could not explain the result.
Despite the ongoing investigation, the former champion continued to train and made regular appearances at international events. Now, after several months, the long-awaited clearance has been granted. “I’m pleased to confirm that my provisional suspension has been lifted and that I’ll be back in the ring soon,” Parker said. He declined to comment on further details for the time being, as organizational matters are still being worked out.
A comeback appears to already be in the works. Parker had recently been publicly searching for an opponent for a short-notice fight in New Zealand and later announced that an opponent had been found. An official announcement is still pending. Before his suspension, Parker remained among the world’s top heavyweight contenders. With his return, the former champion could now re-enter the world title race.
Text by Robin Josten