Joseph Parker cleared to fight after UKAD lifts suspension

Former heavyweight world champion Joseph Parker has been cleared to return to boxing after a provisional suspension for a failed drug test was lifted by UK Anti-Doping and the British Boxing Board of Control. The 34-year-old New Zealander confirmed the decision on Wednesday, August 5, 2026, stating he expects to return to the ring soon.

The suspension stemmed from a Voluntary Anti-Doping Association test administered on October 25, 2025, the day Parker lost to Britain's Fabio Wardley in London. The sample contained benzoylecgonine, a metabolite of cocaine. Under anti-doping rules, cocaine is classified as a recreational substance rather than a performance-enhancing drug. Parker had faced a potential two-year ban but consistently denied knowingly taking any prohibited substance, maintaining the result was due to contamination.

Robert Smith, general secretary of the British Boxing Board of Control, confirmed the suspension had been lifted but declined to provide further details. UK Anti-Doping has not yet published the full reasoning behind its decision. In a statement, Parker said he was pleased with the outcome and thanked his supporters, adding that he has been advised to say...