Samoan heavyweight Joseph Parker cleared to return to boxing after suspension lifted

Samoan heavyweight Joseph Parker says he is feeling "relieved" and grateful after his suspension was lifted, clearing the way for his return to the ring later this year.

The former WBO heavyweight world champion had been provisionally suspended by UK Anti-Doping (UKAD) after a voluntary drug test following his October 2025 fight against Britain's Fabio Wardley returned a positive result for a cocaine metabolite.

UKAD investigated the result and found the positive test came from contamination linked to Parker's nutritionist, who admitted to using cocaine regularly. They found it was not connected to Parker taking the substance himself or trying to gain an advantage in boxing, allowing him to return to the sport.

Speaking ahead of this weekend's David Nyika vs Floyd Masson fight card in Auckland, Parker said the decision had brought relief not only to himself, but to the people who stood by him throughout the process.

"A sense of relief, sense of gratitude for all those who stuck by me and for those who've helped get me to where I am today, and just happy," Parker said.

"I'm happy that the suspension has been lifted and I'm able to fight again. I love fighting."

Parker said one of the hardest parts of the suspension was knowing how many people it affected.

"The suspension being lifted is, not only for myself, my wife and kids, parents, family, supporters, there's so many people in this country and around the world that have stood by me and backed me and I'm just extremely grateful."

The 34-year-old says he is eager to return before the end of 2026 and wants a fight confirmed soon so he can begin a full training camp.

"I've been training but once there's a fight locked in and an end goal, there's more work to be done."

Learning a new side of boxing

While waiting for his return, Parker has spent time working alongside longtime manager David Higgins and Duco Events to help promote boxing events.

The experience has given him a new appreciation for the work that happens behind the scenes.

"The promoters have a tough job," Parker said.

"It's not just a one-week job where it's fight week and you've got a press conference, weigh-in. There's weeks in advance leading into this that everything has to be done."

Parker said seeing the business side of the sport has changed the way he views negotiations between fighters, promoters and managers.

"If you understand as a fighter, you can understand what promoters and managers go through and you're a lot more appreciative and a lot more understanding, which makes it a lot better to deal with, I think."

He believes every professional boxer would benefit from learning how events are organised.

"I think all fighters, if they can, try and understand this whole game and what's involved."

Helping keep Auckland's fight card alive

Although many fans assumed Parker was searching for an opponent for himself after posting a call-out on social media, he was actually trying to find late replacement opponents for this weekend's Auckland card.

After health issues forced Kiki Toa Leutele to withdraw from his bout with Hemi Ahio, Parker used his platform to help find a replacement. He also helped secure an opponent for his brother, John Parker, after his original opponent pulled out less than two weeks before fight night.

The call attracted interest from fighters across England, the United States, Australia, Germany, the Netherlands and the Pacific before Joe Ageli stepped in to face Ahio, while fellow Kiwi Kyle Mereweather agreed to fight John Parker.

Parker praised both replacement fighters for accepting the opportunity at short notice.

"You never know, this boxing game is one of those games where you never know what can happen. One punch can change anything."

Eyes on another world title

Parker's manager David Higgins says the Samoan heavyweight is "relieved, excited, and energised" to be back and believes another world title run is well within reach.

Now a free agent, Parker is considering several opportunities and could fight twice before the end of the year.

Potential future opponents include the winner of the upcoming Daniel Dubois vs Fabio Wardley rematch, as well as a long-awaited rematch with Britain's Dillian Whyte.

Despite the setback over the past year, Higgins remains confident Parker's best boxing is still ahead of him.

"Joseph is confident. He's done it before; he knows what to do. We're not quitters and Joseph is looking forward to this final two or three run in his career."