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Heavyweight contender Joseph Parker is planning his return to the ring after his provisional suspension by the UK Anti-Doping Agency (UKAD) was lifted, as confirmed by the boxer himself.
Parker, with a record of 36-4 (24 KOs), tested positive for cocaine on the day of his loss to Fabio Wardley on October 25, 2025. In a dramatic bout, Wardley overcame Parker's early lead to stop the former WBO belt holder in the 11th round at London's O2 Arena.
Prior to that fight, the 34-year-old New Zealander was considered the most deserving challenger for the title held by then-champion Oleksandr Usyk.
"I am happy to confirm that my provisional suspension has been lifted and I will be back in the ring soon," Parker stated in a prepared statement on Wednesday. "I have been advised not to say anything further for now while the details are being finalized. Thank you to all my supporters, and please join me in supporting David Nyika in his world title eliminator this Saturday. I believe Nyika will win this fight and secure New Zealand a shot at a world title."
Nyika, who was stopped by Jai Opetaia in 2025, is set to face Floyd Mason in an IBF light-heavyweight eliminator. Meanwhile, Parker will be hoping to regain his standing in the ever-evolving heavyweight landscape.
In December, speaking to BoxingScene, he insisted that he had never knowingly taken a banned substance.
"I've never failed a drug test before, so this was a surprise and a shock. If I were guilty, I would say I made a mistake. But I'm not... I'm very confident I'll fight again," he said.
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