Joseph Parker cleared to box after nutritionist's cocaine exposure confirmed

Former world heavyweight champion Joseph Parker has been cleared to return to boxing after serving a three-month ban for a positive cocaine test. The New Zealand boxer’s suspension was attributed to his nutritionist, who was identified as a regular cocaine user. The announcement came from the United Kingdom Anti-Doping (UKAD) on Thursday, allowing Parker to participate in professional sports again.

Parker tested positive for cocaine following his defeat to Fabio Wardley in London on October 25, 2025. He has consistently denied knowingly taking any banned substances. According to UKAD, evidence presented by Parker indicated that his positive test resulted from exposure to cocaine used by his nutritionist in the days leading up to the fight. The nutritionist reportedly admitted to being a regular user who had consumed cocaine daily in the week of the bout.

The Voluntary Anti-Doping Association (VADA) conducted the initial testing on the day of the fight. Parker's positive result was confirmed by UKAD early on October 26. However, UKAD later found that the cocaine ingestion occurred out of competition, and it was deemed unrelated to Parker's sporting performance. This determination led to the lifting of his suspension.

Parker, who boasts a professional record of 36 wins and four losses, expressed relief at the lifting of his ban. He stated that he is eager to return to the ring soon. His unexpected loss to Wardley not only ended his title challenge but also stripped him of his status as WBO mandatory challenger to the heavyweight champion, Oleksandr Usyk. With his ban now lifted, Parker aims to reclaim his position in the sport and continue his boxing career.