Joseph Parker announced he will return to the ring "soon" after claiming his provisional suspension has been lifted following a failed drug test in October. The routine test given to the Voluntary Anti‑Doping Agency on the day of his 11th‑round stoppage loss to Identified boxer Fabio Wardley at The O2 returned traces of cocaine, which could have led to a two‑year ban.

The former world champion, who lost his belt to Anthony Joshua in 2018, entered the Wardley bout in arguably the best form of his career. He had recently kish six straight victories, including statement wins elan over Deontay Wilder and Zhilei Zhang, and captured the WBO Interim strap. He was set to challenge IBF holder Daniel Dubois in February, only for Dubois to fall ill days before the fight.

Parker released a statement confirming the suspension is lifted, adding he will be back "soon" and that he will stay quiet until details are finalised. The British Boxing Board of Control declined to comment.

With the lift in place, Parker is poised to resume his campaign, potentially targeting the IBF title or challenging the undisputed champion Oleksandr Usyk when the opportunity arises.