Joseph Parker expressed a profound sense of relief after the suspension stemming from a positive drug test was removed, and his manager David Higgins confirmed that the former WBO heavyweight champion will step back into the ring before the year is out. The New Zealander’s anti‑doping sample, taken in the United Kingdom on the night he was stopped by Fabio Wardley in October, showed traces of cocaine. Parker has consistently denied any intentional ingestion of prohibited substances, and the British Boxing Board of Control has now cleared him, allowing him to resume his career. Higgins, who is handling Parker’s next moves, believes the 34‑year‑old can still mount a serious challenge for a world title and may even line up two fights before the close of 2026.
"A mix of relief, excitement and pure energy," Higgins said when asked about Parker’s mental state. "Joseph is itching to get back in the gym.
He was up early this morning for a run and feels like he’s at the top of his game. Heavyweights traditionally hit their prime in their thirties, and although Joseph is technically a veteran, he’s still relatively young and hungry." The manager added that Parker has voiced a strong desire to fight this calendar year.
"It could be a tune‑up bout followed by a marquee clash at the end of the year, or we could go straight to a big fight at year‑end – the options are on the table," Higgins explained. Parker’s resume reads like a who's‑who of modern heavyweight boxing. He has shared the canvas with Anthony Joshua, Deontay Wilder, Andy Ruiz Jr., Derek Chisora, Dillian Whyte, Fabio Wardley, Joe Joyce and Zhilei Zhang.
The 11th‑round stoppage loss to Wardley halted his momentum toward another world title, but Higgins remains "supremely confident" that Parker can reclaim championship status. "Joseph knows what it takes because he’s done it before.
He’s a free agent now, so we’re reviewing every viable offer, weighing risk against reward. History shows that even legends like Lennox Lewis suffered setbacks in their thirties before becoming virtually unstoppable. I see no reason why Joseph can’t follow a similar path," Higgins said. The former champion’s old WBO belt currently sits with Daniel Dubois, who is set to defend it against Wardley in a rematch later this year.
That potential matchup is one of the scenarios that excites Parker, alongside a possible rematch with Dillian Whyte. "Joseph had a world‑title fight booked with Dubois that fell through at the last minute due to an alleged illness," Higgins recalled.
"He was then matched with Martin Bakole and knocked him out, but there’s unfinished business with both Dubois and Bakole." He continued, "Joseph isn’t shy about taking on any opponent. The unresolved rivalry with Whyte is another fight we’d love to see happen.
If the financial and contractual terms line up, Joseph would jump at the chance to make any of those bouts a reality." Looking ahead, Higgins outlined a flexible plan. The manager said they are open to a series of fights that could serve as a warm‑up before a title shot, or a direct leap into a high‑profile clash. "We’re not quitting. Joseph is looking at a final two‑ or three‑fight run before he decides to hang up the gloves.
He wants to finish his career on his own terms, ideally with another belt around his waist," Higgins affirmed. Beyond the immediate fight schedule, Parker’s team is also considering the broader business landscape. They will evaluate offers based on marketability, potential pay‑days, and the quality of the opposition.
The goal is to secure a fight that not only restores Parker’s standing in the heavyweight division but also maximizes his earnings in what could be the last chapter of his professional journey. Fans can stay updated on Parker’s progress through Sky Sports’ various platforms, including WhatsApp, where the network shares the latest news, video highlights, in‑depth analysis and exclusive features. The broadcaster also encourages viewers to use Chrome for the best video‑player experience. In summary, Joseph Parker’s drug‑test suspension has been officially lifted, and both he and his manager are eager to chart the next phase of his career.
With a renewed sense of purpose, a clear desire to fight this year, and a range of potential opponents—from Dubois to Whyte—Parker is positioning himself for a comeback that could see him chase the heavyweight crown once more. The upcoming months will reveal which path he chooses, but the consensus among his camp is that the former champion still has plenty of fight left in him and the determination to finish his career on a high note.