JOSEPH PARKER CLEARED TO RESUME BOXING AFTER DOPE TEST

Joseph Parker, the former WBO heavyweight world champion, has been cleared to return to boxing following the lifting of his provisional suspension. Parker, from New Zealand, failed a voluntary dope test on the day he fought and lost against Fabio Wardley in October. Reports at the time indicated that he had tested positive for traces of cocaine, which carried the risk of a two-year ban. Parker denied taking a prohibited substance. The British Boxing Board of Control confirmed the suspension had been lifted but provided no further details.

Parker held the WBO heavyweight title between 2016 and 2018. In a statement, the 34-year-old said he was pleased the suspension had been lifted and would return to the ring soon, though he declined to comment further while details were being finalised. Robert Smith, general secretary of the British Boxing Board of Control, confirmed the decision without elaboration. Parker thanked his supporters for their backing throughout the process.

In separate boxing news, Raven Chapman, a British boxer who fought for the WBC world featherweight title in 2024, underwent emergency surgery after collapsing following a sparring session in Denmark on 24 July. Chapman was diagnosed with a brain haematoma and cerebral oedema and was placed in a medically induced coma following the procedure to stop bleeding and reduce swelling. Her management company, Vote Boxing, reported that Chapman has since been taken off sedatives and is awaiting medically supervised repatriation to a UK hospital, where rehabilitation is expected to take considerable time. A fundraising page has been launched to support Chapman's recovery.