Joseph Parker cleared to fight again as statement released with suspension lifted

Joseph Parker can now fight again after UK Anti-Doping lifted his ban from boxing.

The New Zealand heavyweight tested positive for cocaine in the aftermath of his brutal eleventh round stoppage defeat to Fabio Wardley last October.

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He was provisionally suspended by UKAD pending a full investigation into the positive VADA test.

Parker has protested his innocence throughout the process, with confidence from his camp that he’d be exonerated of any long-term punishment.

But it has now been confirmed by Parker in a statement that his ban has been lifted with immediate effect.

He said in a statement to multiple outlets: “I’m pleased to confirm my provisional suspension is lifted and I’ll be back in the ring soon.

“I’ve been advised to say no more for now while details are finalised.

“Thank you to all my supporters and please join me in backing David Nyika for his world title eliminator this Saturday.

“I believe Nyika will win this fight and secure a world title shot for New Zealand.”

Parker’s career can resume, and he will look to put his name back into the heavyweight mix.

The heavyweight title contender had been out of action for close to eight months.

But he had been ensuring he kept fit and remained training, forming part of Tyson Fury‘s camp for his victory over Mariusz Wach in Thailand.

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On social media recently, Parker had made a public plea to potential opponents for fights in New Zealand in the coming days on short notice.

What next for Parker?

Parker is likely to try and push his way back into title contention after a devastating blow.

The 34-year-old appeared to be boxing his way to victory against Wardley before the Ipswich native turned things around late on.

It saw Parker lose his WBO interim title status which he had held for several fights.

And the taste became more sour with Wardley then upgraded to full world champion after Usyk vacated the title.

For now, it is likely he will look to blow away any cobwebs in a series of tune-up fights.

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Parker still remains ranked at No.6 with the WBO and will hope to position himself for a shot at champion Daniel Dubois, with all of the belts now fragmenting.