Joseph Parker, the 34-year-old New Zealander and former WBO heavyweight champion from 2016 to 2018, has had his provisional suspension lifted, clearing him to compete again in professional boxing [1, 2, 3, 4, 5].
Parker was provisionally suspended following a voluntary anti-doping test conducted on October 25, 2025—the same day he was defeated by Britain’s Fabio Wardley—which revealed traces of cocaine [1, 2, 3, 4, 5]. Parker has consistently denied knowingly taking any banned substances throughout the process [1, 2, 3, 4, 5].
Robert Smith, the general secretary of the British Boxing Board of Control, confirmed the lifting of Parker’s provisional suspension on August 5, 2026, but did not provide further details regarding the decision [2, 3, 4, 5].
Parker holds a professional boxing record of 36 wins and 4 losses. He expressed relief at the suspension being lifted, 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 finalised. Thank you to all my supporters” [1, 2, 4, 5].
His return marks a significant opportunity to resume his career after nearly 10 months sidelined by the doping allegation. No date has yet been announced for his next fight.
