Joseph Parker cleared to fight after doping suspension lifted

Former world‑boxing champion Joseph Parker was suspended in October after a voluntary drug test returned a positive result for a prohibited substance. The suspension was imposed by the New Zealand Boxing Authority, which cited the athlete’s failure to comply with the federation’s anti‑doping regulations. Parker’s team confirmed that the test was conducted under the boxer’s own initiative and that he had not knowingly taken any banned substance.

Parker has publicly denied the allegations, stating that he was unaware of any prohibited material in his system and that the result was a mistake. He has requested a full review of the testing procedure and the chain of custody for the sample. The authority has indicated that it will allow Parker to appeal the decision, but the suspension remains in effect pending the outcome of the investigation.

The case underscores the strict enforcement of anti‑doping rules within professional boxing. Until the appeal is resolved, Parker is barred from competing in any sanctioned bouts, and his name remains on the official suspension list. The federation has reiterated its commitment to maintaining a clean sport and will release further updates once the review process concludes.