Former WBO heavyweight champion Joseph Parker will return to the ring this year after the British Boxing Board of Control lifted his suspension for a failed drug test. The New Zealander denied taking any banned substances after returning traces of cocaine in a test on the day of his defeat by Fabio Wardley in October.
Parker's manager, David Higgins, confirmed that the 34-year-old boxer is preparing for his comeback and could fight twice before the end of 2026. Higgins described Parker's current mindset as a combination of relieved, excited, and energised.
"Joseph is champing at the bit to get back into the ring. He was up early to go for a run this morning," Higgins said. Higgins added that Parker feels he is at the peak of his powers, noting that heavyweights often reach their prime in their thirties.
Plans for 2026 Ring Return
Higgins stated that Parker is eager to schedule his next fight as soon as possible. "Joseph has said to me that he would love to fight this year," Higgins said. "It could be a tune-up, then a big fight at the end of the year or it could be a big fight at the end of the year."
The Kiwi fighter's charge towards another world title was previously halted by an 11th-round stoppage loss against Wardley at The O2 arena. Despite that defeat, Higgins said he remains supremely confident that Parker can become a world champion again.
"Joseph is confident. He's done it before; he knows what to do. He's going to have another run at the title and is excited to do so," Higgins said. He noted that Parker is currently a free agent exploring all options on a risk-and-return basis.
Title Ambitions and Future Opponents
Higgins compared Parker's career path to that of former undisputed heavyweight champion Lennox Lewis. "If you look at history, I think even Lennox Lewis copped a couple of losses and then in his 30s it all came together and he was unbeatable," Higgins said.
Parker has previously shared the ring with top heavyweights including Anthony Joshua, Deontay Wilder, Andy Ruiz Jr, Derek Chisora, Dillian Whyte, Fabio Wardley, Joe Joyce, and Zhilei Zhang. Higgins added that Parker is looking forward to a final two or three run in his career.
Parker's former WBO belt is now held by Daniel Dubois, who will defend it in a rematch against Wardley later this year. Parker is interested in targeting the winner of that matchup, having previously had a scheduled title fight against Dubois fall through when Dubois withdrew due to illness.
Unfinished Business in Heavyweight Division
After Dubois pulled out of their scheduled bout, Martin Bakole stepped in as a replacement, and Parker secured a knockout victory with a right hand punch. Higgins emphasized that Parker still has unfinished business with both Dubois and Wardley.
"Joseph is not afraid to get in the ring with anyone. He also has unfinished business with Dillian Whyte and we'd love that rematch," Higgins said. Higgins added that Parker would be eager to make any of those fights happen if the deal and terms are right.
