- Heavyweight boxer Joseph Parker has announced his provisional suspension has been lifted, clearing him to return to the ring after testing positive for cocaine.
- Traces of cocaine were found in a Voluntary Anti-Doping Agency (VADA) test conducted before his controversial 11th-round stoppage loss to Fabio Wardley last October, where he lost the interim WBO heavyweight belt.
- The result of the test was only made public after the fight, with Parker consistently denying taking any banned substances and insisting he does not use performance-enhancing drugs.
- Despite cocaine being a recreational drug rather than a performance enhancer, its detection can lead to a significant ban for professional boxers.
- Parker, 34, confirmed the lifting of his suspension on Wednesday, stating he was advised to provide no further details while final arrangements are made as he looks to return to the ring.
IN FULL
Joseph Parker claims boxing ban lifted after failed drug test
