Joseph Parker Cleared to Resume Boxing Career

Former world heavyweight champion Joseph Parker has been granted permission to resume his boxing career after a provisional suspension for testing positive for cocaine was lifted. The New Zealand-born boxer, who held the WBO title from 2016 to 2018, initially faced a ban following the positive test in December 2022. However, an investigation by the New Zealand National Anti-Doping Organization (NZNADO) and the World Boxing Council (WBC) ultimately led to the suspension being lifted.

According to the NZNADO, Parker's positive test was due to the presence of benzoylecgonine, a metabolite of cocaine, in his system. While Parker initially accepted a two-year ban, an appeal led to the suspension being reduced to six months, which has now expired. The lifting of the suspension means Parker is eligible to compete again, and his team has expressed interest in organizing a comeback fight in the near future.

The news is a significant development for Parker, who has been out of the ring since his positive test. With the suspension lifted, the 32-year-old will look to revive his career and potentially challenge for major titles once again. Parker's team has not yet announced a specific comeback fight, but it is expected that the boxer will return to action in the coming months.