Kathmandu— Former world heavyweight boxing champion Joseph Parker has been cleared to return to the ring following a three-month drugs ban imposed by UK Anti-Doping (UKAD). The 34-year-old New Zealander tested positive for cocaine on October 25, 2025, the day of his loss to Fabio Wardley in London. UKAD stated that Parker's exposure to cocaine was due to his nutritionist, who admitted to being a regular user.

Cocaine Exposure Details

Parker tested positive for cocaine on October 25, 2025, the day of his loss to Fabio Wardley at London’s O2 Arena. The nutritionist he employed ahead of the fight was identified as a regular user of cocaine and had used it daily in the week leading up to the bout. UKAD found that Parker's ingestion occurred out of competition and was unrelated to sport performance, which led to lifting his previous suspension.

Parker has always denied knowingly taking any banned substances and expressed relief at being cleared to return to boxing.

(With inputs from Al Jazeera)

Originally published on abcnews.com.np.