Boxing: Joseph Parker hinted at return to ring before being cleared to fight
New Zealand boxer Joseph Parker has been cleared to return to the ring following a provisional suspension related to a failed anti-doping test. Parker maintains his innocence and is reportedly preparing for an upcoming fight.
Why it matters
The return of a high-profile athlete after a doping controversy impacts the integrity and commercial landscape of professional boxing.
Joseph Parker has been cleared to return to the boxing ring. Photo / Photosport
Kiwi boxer Joseph Parker has been dropping hints that he could be preparing to make his return to the ring this weekend, and today announced he had been cleared to fight again.
Parker failed a voluntary fight-day anti-doping test from UK Anti-Doping following his 11th-round stoppage defeat to British heavyweight Fabio Wardley last November, after trace elements of cocaine were detected in his system.
He has maintained his innocence throughout the process, stating he did not take a prohibited or performance-enhancing substance, and in a statement released on Wednesday, Parker confirmed his “provisional suspension is lifted” and that he’ll be “back in the ring soon”.
Despite being suspended, Parker has been keeping fit and in the past week dropped hints that a comeback was imminent.
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