New Zealand heavyweight boxer Joseph Parker is cleared to return to the ring after UK Anti-Doping lifted his suspension following a failed drug test attributed to his nutritionist. According to 1News, the 34-year-old fighter tested positive for cocaine following his defeat to Fabio Wardley at London’s O2 Arena on October 25.
UK Anti-Doping Clears Heavyweight After Nutritionist Admission
UK Anti-Doping confirmed in a statement released on Friday that Parker may resume competition immediately after serving his ban. According to UK Anti-Doping, Parker provided evidence on March 6 claiming the adverse analytical finding stemmed from exposure to cocaine used by the nutritionist he hired for the bout. The nutritionist acknowledged being a regular user who consumed the substance daily during the week leading up to the fight. Regulators determined in June that Parker ingested the substance out of competition in a context unrelated to sports performance.
The Impact of the Positive Test on Parker’s Career
The ordeal left the former world champion questioning his future in the sport. According to 1News, Parker returned a voluntary test with the Voluntary Anti-Doping Association on the day of the fight, followed by a UK Anti-Doping test in the early hours of the next morning. “Imagine getting told you’d failed a drugs test and getting told it’s cocaine. It’s a shock… and how are you going to navigate through this whole ordeal?” Parker told 1News. He added that he was in tears upon hearing the news, fearing his career was over, before his wife reassured him that he had done nothing wrong.
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Parker Forgives Nutritionist and Targets Return to Action
Speaking to Newstalk ZB on Friday, Parker stated that he has forgiven the nutritionist and remains friends with him. “Listen, everyone makes mistakes. It was a big mistake, and it cost me a lot, and it cost me time out of the ring, opportunity, looking after my family, but it also gave me time to spend more time here at home,” Parker said. He described the situation as a normal part of his boxing journey, noting the ups and downs of the sport. With the ban now lifted, Parker told 1News that he aims to fight before the end of the year, stating, “I’m looking for a big fight. I’ve been waiting to punch someone in the face.”
Frequently Asked Questions
Why was Joseph Parker suspended?
Parker was suspended after returning adverse findings for cocaine following his October 25 fight against Fabio Wardley, discovered via tests administered by the Voluntary Anti-Doping Association and UK Anti-Doping.
Who was responsible for the positive test, according to UK Anti-Doping?
According to UK Anti-Doping, evidence provided by Parker showed the positive finding resulted from exposure to cocaine used daily by the nutritionist he employed for the bout.
When was Joseph Parker’s suspension lifted?
UK Anti-Doping lifted Parker’s suspension in June after determining his cocaine ingestion occurred out of competition in a context unrelated to sports performance, formally clearing him to return in a statement on Friday.
What is Joseph Parker’s next career step?
Parker is looking to return to the ring before the end of the year and secure a major matchup.
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