Joseph Parker Cleared to Fight After Servicing Three-Month Suspension

Heavyweight boxer Joseph Parker has been officially cleared to return to the ring following a three-month suspension imposed by UK Anti-Doping (UKAD) for a positive drugs test. The announcement was made on Thursday, after Parker provided a urine sample to the Voluntary Anti-Doping Agency (VADA) in the early hours of October 26, 2025, following his fight against Fabio Wardley in London. The sample tested positive for benzoylecgonine, a metabolite of cocaine.

After receiving a provisional suspension in November, Parker requested time from UKAD to gather evidence supporting his claim that the positive test was a result of contamination. UKAD revealed on Thursday that Parker’s nutritionist admitted to being “a regular user of cocaine” and had consumed the substance daily in the week leading up to the bout. Parker and his team maintained that the positive test was due to exposure from the nutritionist.

UKAD stated that evidence provided by Parker indicated that the adverse analytical finding was linked to the nutritionist’s cocaine use, asserting that Parker’s ingestion occurred “out of competition” and was unrelated to his sporting performance. As a result, UKAD lifted Parker’s provisional ban, considering that the suspension served from November 2025 to February 2026 fulfilled the requirements.

Parker accepted the ban in July 2026. On Wednesday, he confirmed that he has been cleared to fight, stating, “I’m pleased to confirm my provisional suspension is lifted and I’ll be back in the ring soon.” He also noted he would refrain from further comments while final details are being finalized and expressed gratitude to his supporters.

Special Credits: Image Courtesy of Espn