Heavyweight contender Joseph Parker is planning his return to the ring after having his provision suspension from UK Anti-Doping lifted, the boxer has claimed.
Parker, 36-4 (24 KOs), tested positive for cocaine on the day of his October 25, 2025, loss to Fabio Wardley. In a dramatic fight, Wardley chopped away at Parker’s lead to stop the former WBO beltholder in the 11th round at London, England’s O2 Arena.
Prior to the bout, the 34-year-old New Zealander was widely regarded as the most deserving contender to then-champion Oleksandr Usyk’s crown.
"I'm pleased to confirm my provisional suspension is lifted and I’ll be back in the ring soon,” Parker said Wednesday in a prepared statement.
"I've been advised to say no more for now while details are finalised.
"Thank you to all my supporters and please join me in backing David Nyika for his world title eliminator this Saturday.
"I believe Nyika will win this fight and secure a world title shot for New Zealand."
Niyika, stopped by Jai Opetaia in 2025, takes on Floyd Masson in a cruiserweight IBF eliminator.
Parker, meanwhile, will be hoping to re-establish his standing in the ever-changing heavyweight landscape.
In December, while in conversation with BoxingScene, he insisted he had never knowingly taken a prohibitive substance.
“I’ve never failed a drugs test before so it was a surprise and shock,” he said.
“If I was guilty I would say I’d made a mistake. But I’m not… I am very confident I will fight again.”
