- Heavyweight boxer Joseph Parker has announced his provisional suspension has been lifted, clearing him to return to the ring after testing positive for cocaine.
- Traces of cocaine were found in a Voluntary Anti-Doping Agency (VADA) test conducted before his controversial 11th-round stoppage loss to Fabio Wardley last October, where he lost the interim WBO heavyweight belt.
- The result of the test was only made public after the fight, with Parker consistently denying taking any banned substances and insisting he does not use performance-enhancing drugs.
- Despite cocaine being a recreational drug rather than a performance enhancer, its detection can lead to a significant ban for professional boxers.
- Parker, 34, confirmed the lifting of his suspension on Wednesday, stating he was advised to provide no further details while final arrangements are made as he looks to return to the ring.
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