Former world heavyweight champion Joseph Parker has been cleared to fight again after his provisional suspension for testing positive for cocaine was lifted.
The 34-year-old New Zealander was tested by the Voluntary Anti-Doping Association (Vada) on 25 October.
On the same day, he was beaten by Britain’s Fabio Wardley at London’s O2 Arena.
“I’m pleased to confirm my provisional suspension is lifted and I’ll be back in the ring soon,” Parker said on Wednesday.
“I’ve been advised to say no more for now while details are finalised. Thank you to all my supporters.”
Parker has denied knowingly taking any banned substances. He had faced the possibility of a ban of up to two years, with any sanction to be determined by UK Anti-Doping (Ukad) and the British Boxing Board of Control (BBBoC).
The BBBoC confirmed to BBC Sport that Parker’s provisional suspension has been lifted but said it “cannot make any further comment at this stage”.
BBC Sport has also contacted Ukad, which did not oversee the original test and would need to carry out its own investigation.
Parker holds a professional record of 36 wins and four defeats. He was WBO heavyweight champion from 2016 to 2018 before losing the title to Britain’s Anthony Joshua in Cardiff.
