Joseph Parker cleared to return after provisional suspension lifted

Former world heavyweight champion Joseph Parker has been cleared to fight after his provisional suspension linked to a Voluntary Anti‑Doping Association (Vada) test on 25 October — the same day he lost to Fabio Wardley at London's O2 Arena — was lifted, his camp confirmed.

Parker, who made his professional debut in 2012, has a record of 36 wins and four defeats and was WBO heavyweight champion from 2016 to 2018. He lost the title to Anthony Joshua in Cardiff. The positive result from the Vada test prompted a provisional suspension that has now been removed. Parker has denied knowingly taking any banned substances.

"I'm pleased to confirm my provisional suspension is lifted and I'll be back in the ring soon," Parker said on Wednesday. "I've been advised to say no more for now while details are finalised. Thank you to all my supporters."

He faced the possibility of a ban of up to two years, with any sanction to be determined by UK Anti‑Doping (Ukad) and the British Boxing Board of Control (BBBoC). Parker has publicly rejected knowingly ingesting a prohibited substance. The length and nature of any formal penalty remain subject to those governing bodies.

The British Boxing Board of Control (BBBoC) confirmed to BBC Sport that Parker's provisional suspension has been lifted. It added it "cannot make any further comment at this stage." BBC Sport has also contacted Ukad, which did not oversee the original test and would need to carry out its own investigation.

Parker said he will be back in the ring soon. Any formal sanction will be decided by Ukad and the BBBoC.