Former heavyweight world champion Joseph Parker has been cleared to return to boxing after a UK Anti-Doping (Ukad) investigation attributed his positive test for cocaine to accidental exposure. Parker tested positive on the day of his defeat to Fabio Wardley in October 2025, but the athlete consistently maintained he never intentionally consumed banned substances.
Ukad investigators concluded that the professional nutritionist hired by the New Zealander during his training camp was a consistent user of the drug. Evidence presented to officials showed the nutritionist had used cocaine daily in the week preceding the bout. Consequently, Ukad determined that the ingestion occurred out of competition and was not linked to athletic performance, leading to the removal of Parker’s three-month suspension.
The 34-year-old fighter, who holds a career record of 36 victories and four losses, shared the news via social media. He expressed his relief that the provisional ban was over and confirmed plans to return to the ring shortly. Parker previously held the WBO heavyweight title from 2016 until 2018.
