Joseph Parker has expressed a profound sense of relief after the suspension tied to a recent anti‑doping test was lifted, and his manager David Higgins says the former WBO heavyweight champion is eager to step back into the ring before the year ends. The New Zealand‑born fighter tested positive for traces of cocaine in a UK Anti‑Doping sample taken on the night he suffered a defeat to Fabio Wardley in October. Parker has consistently denied any intentional use of prohibited substances, and the British Boxing Board of Control ultimately rescinded the ban, clearing him to compete again.
Higgins, who has been guiding Parker’s career for several years, is already mapping out the next steps. He believes Parker could realistically line up two bouts before the close of 2026, depending on how negotiations unfold and what opponents become available.
"A mix of relieved, excited and energised," Higgins told reporters when asked about his fighter’s current mindset. "Joseph is champing at the bit to get back into the ring. He was up early this morning for a run, feeling like he’s at the peak of his powers." At 34, Parker sits in an age bracket that many boxing analysts consider the sweet spot for heavyweight champions.
While the sport often sees fighters hit their prime in their early thirties, experience and physical conditioning can allow a heavyweight to remain competitive well into their late thirties. Higgins highlighted this point, noting that although Parker’s résumé reads like that of a veteran—having faced the likes of Anthony Joshua, Deontay Wilder, Andy Ruiz Jr., Derek Chisora, Dillian Whyte, Fabio Wardley, Joe Joyce and Zhilei Zhang—he still possesses the youthful vigor needed to chase another world title. "Joseph has told me he would love to fight this year," Higgins added.
"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. The key is finding the right opponent and the right timing." Parker’s recent loss to Wardley—a stoppage in the eleventh round—derailed his immediate title aspirations, but Higgins remains supremely confident that the Kiwi can reclaim championship glory.
He drew a parallel with former champion Lennox Lewis, who suffered a handful of setbacks early in his thirties before entering an unbeaten run that cemented his legacy. "If you look at history, even Lennox Lewis took a few losses and then, in his thirties, everything clicked and he became unbeatable.
I see the same potential for Joseph," Higgins said. The manager also emphasized that Parker is now a free agent, which opens the door to a broader range of negotiations. "We’re reviewing every offer on its merits, weighing risk against return. We won’t settle for anything that doesn’t make sense for Joseph’s career trajectory," Higgins explained.
"We’re not quitters; Joseph is looking forward to what could be his final two or three runs at the top of the division." Potential opponents have already been floated. The current holder of Parker’s former WBO belt, Daniel Dubois, is slated to defend the title against Wardley in a rematch later this year. A showdown with the winner of that bout would be an enticing prospect for Parker, who has previously expressed interest in a clash with Dubois. Additionally, a rematch with Dillian Whyte remains on the table, as both fighters have unfinished business from their earlier encounter.
Higgins recalled a previous scheduled world‑title fight between Parker and Dubois that fell through when Parker withdrew citing illness just days before the event. "Bakole stepped in and Joseph knocked him out, but there’s still a lot left unsaid with Daniel. If the terms are right, Joseph would love to settle that score," Higgins said. Beyond the heavyweight landscape, Parker’s camp is also keeping an eye on the broader boxing calendar, including upcoming title fights in other weight classes.
For example, Aaron McKenna and Etinosa Oliha are set to contest the IBF world middleweight title in Dublin, an event that will be broadcast live on Sky Sports. While not directly linked to Parker’s immediate plans, such high‑profile bouts illustrate the vibrant environment in which he will be making his next move. In summary, Joseph Parker’s return to competition is now unencumbered by the drug‑testing controversy that briefly threatened his career. With his manager’s strategic guidance, a clear sense of purpose, and a roster of potential high‑stakes opponents, Parker appears poised to re‑establish himself as a contender for the heavyweight crown.
Whether he opts for a preparatory fight to sharpen his skills or jumps straight into a title‑elimination bout, the boxing world will be watching closely as the former champion seeks to add another chapter to his already impressive legacy.