Joseph Parker Cleared to Fight Again After Suspension Lifted
Former heavyweight boxing champion Joseph Parker announced on Wednesday that he has received clearance to resume fighting after a suspension imposed due to a failed dope test last October. At 34 years old, Parker, a New Zealand native who held the WBO title from 2016 to 2018, had consistently denied any allegations of ingesting a banned substance, despite the possibility of facing a two-year ban.
The suspension originated from a voluntary drug test conducted on the day of his match against British fighter Fabio Wardley, where Parker suffered a defeat. Reports from British media outlets indicated that Parker tested positive for traces of cocaine during that period.
In an official statement, Parker expressed his relief, stating, “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 finalized. Thank you to all my supporters.”
Robert Smith, the general secretary of the British Boxing Board of Control, acknowledged that Parker’s suspension had been lifted but did not provide additional details regarding the circumstances surrounding the decision.
