Former world heavyweight champion Joseph Parker has been cleared to return to fighting after his provisional suspension, following a positive test for cocaine, was lifted. The 34-year-old New Zealander was tested by the Voluntary Anti-Doping Association (Vada) on 25 October, the same day he was defeated by Britain's Fabio Wardley at London's O2 Arena.
Parker stated on Wednesday, "I'm pleased to confirm my provisional suspension is lifted and I'll be back in the ring soon." He added that he has been advised to say no more while details are finalised. Parker has denied knowingly taking any banned substances and had faced a potential ban of up to two years.
The British Boxing Board of Control (BBBoC) confirmed the lifting of Parker's provisional suspension but stated it "cannot make any further comment at this stage." UK Anti-Doping (Ukad), which did not oversee the original test, would need to conduct its own investigation.