Joseph Parker Relieved After Ban Overturned

Joseph Parker is "relieved" after his doping ban was overturned. He is set to return to the ring this year, according to his manager, David Higgins. Traces of cocaine were found in a sample taken from the New Zealander by the Voluntary Anti-Doping Association on the day of his loss to Fabio Wardley in October. Parker denied taking any prohibited substances, and the British Boxing Board of Control confirmed that his suspension has been lifted.

Higgins is now planning the next steps in the career of the former WBO heavyweight world champion, who could have two fights before the end of 2026.

"He's feeling a mix of relief, excitement, and a surge of energy," Higgins responded when asked about Parker's current state. "Joseph is eager to get back in the ring. He was up early this morning for a run.

He feels he's at the peak of his abilities. They say a heavyweight boxer only truly hits their prime after 30. Joseph is only 34. If you look at the names on his record, you could call him a veteran, but he's still relatively young.

Joseph told me he'd love to fight this year. It's possible he could have a tune-up fight first, followed by a big bout later in the year. The other option is to go straight into a major fight at the end of the year," Higgins added.

Parker has faced almost all the leading heavyweights of his generation, including Anthony Joshua, Deontay Wilder, Andy Ruiz Jr., Derek Chisora, Dillian Whyte, Fabio Wardley, Joe Joyce, and Zhilei Zhang. The technical knockout loss to Wardley in the 11th round halted Parker's momentum towards another world title shot. Nevertheless, Higgins is "extremely confident" that the New Zealander can become champion again.

"Joseph is confident. He's done it before and knows what it takes. He's going to make another push for the title and is excited about the opportunity. He's currently a free agent, so we're looking at all offers. We'll consider every opportunity that makes sense. We'll evaluate the quality of offers based on the risk-reward ratio.

I am extremely confident he can become a world champion again. If we look at history, I think even Lennox Lewis had a couple of losses before everything clicked for him after turning 30, and he became unbeatable. We're not giving up, and Joseph is looking forward to the final two or three years of his career."

Parker's former WBO belt is now held by Daniel Dubois, who will defend it against Wardley in a rematch later this year.

The prospect of facing the winner of the second Dubois-Wardley bout excites Parker. He would also welcome a rematch against Dillian Whyte.

"If you recall, Joseph was supposed to fight Dubois for the world title, but a few days before the fight, he mysteriously pulled out due to illness," Higgins said.

"Bakole stepped in, and Joseph knocked Bakole out. However, there's definitely unfinished business with both of them.

Joseph isn't afraid to step into the ring against anyone. There's also unfinished business with Dillian Whyte, and we would very much like that rematch.

If the offer and conditions are right, he would gladly participate in any of those fights."