Joseph Parker cleared to fight after cocaine test
Joseph Parker's provisional suspension for a cocaine test has been lifted, clearing the 34-year-old New Zealand heavyweight to compete. However, investigations by UK Anti-Doping and the British Boxing Board of Control remain open, and a ban of up to two years is still possible. Parker has denied knowingly taking any banned substances.
Joseph Parker's provisional suspension has been lifted, clearing the former heavyweight champion to compete again. Parker, 34, a New Zealander, announced the development on Wednesday, according to the BBC.
Parker tested positive for cocaine following a Voluntary Anti-Doping Association (Vada) test on 25 October, the same day he lost to Britain's Fabio Wardley at London's O2 Arena. He has denied knowingly taking any banned substances.
The provisional suspension's lifting allows Parker to return to action, but it does not resolve the underlying investigation. The British Boxing Board of Control confirmed the suspension has been lifted but stated it 'cannot make any further comment at this stage.' UK Anti-Doping (Ukad), which did not oversee the original test, is carrying out its own investigation. A ban of up to two years remains possible, with any sanction to be determined by Ukad and the BBBoC.
Parker holds a professional record of 36 wins and 4 defeats. He was WBO heavyweight champion from 2016 to 2018 before losing the title to Anthony Joshua in Cardiff.
The lifting of the provisional suspension does not prejudge the final outcome. Both Ukad and the BBBoC must complete their investigations and determine whether a permanent ban or other sanction is warranted. No timeline for their decisions has been disclosed.
Joseph Parker's provisional suspension was lifted, but an underlying investigation by two regulatory bodies continues, and sanctions up to two years remain possible.
Parker can fight again immediately, but the regulatory process remains unresolved. Watch for announcements from Ukad or the BBBoC regarding the outcome of their investigations, which will determine whether Parker faces a permanent ban or other sanctions, and whether the positive test results in a career disruption of any length.
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Sources
Single-source report. As published, only BBC Sport had reported this development. No independent outlet had corroborated it.
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