'I'm looking for a big fight' - Joseph Parker on lifted drugs ban

<p>Joseph Parker hopes to fight before the end of the year after having his <a href="https://www.1news.co.nz/2026/08/05/joseph-parker-cleared-to-fight-after-failed-drugs-test/" target="_blank">drugs ban lifted</a>, saying: “I’m looking for a big fight. I’ve been waiting to punch someone in the face.”</p> <p>The New Zealand boxer's frustration at a ban which has been in force since late last year is probably justifiable, although his feelings will also include relief.</p> <p>He was <a href="https://www.1news.co.nz/2025/11/15/a-real-surprise-to-me-joseph-parker-responds-after-failing-drug-test/" target="_blank">shocked to fail a voluntary test</a> due to the apparent discovery of traces of cocaine after his defeat to Fabio Wardley in the United Kingdom late last year, a finding which put the 34-year-old’s career on hold.</p> <p>Parker told 1News: “Imagine getting told you’d failed a drugs test and getting told it’s cocaine. Like, it’s a shock… and how are you going to navigate through this whole ordeal?</p> <p>“It was tough at the beginning, very tough.