Joseph Parker Cleared to Fight After Dope Test, Raven Chapman Undergoes Emergency Brain Surgery

Joseph Parker, the former heavyweight world champion, has been cleared to fight again after his provisional suspension was lifted following a doping test failure last October. Parker, 34, had denied taking a prohibited substance despite testing positive for traces of cocaine before his loss to Britain’s Fabio Wardley.

In a statement, Parker expressed relief, saying, “I’m pleased to confirm my provisional suspension is lifted and I’ll be back in the ring soon.” However, he was advised to comment no further while details are finalised. Robert Smith, General Secretary of the British Boxing Board of Control, confirmed the suspension’s lift without providing details.

Meanwhile, British boxer Raven Chapman, 32, underwent emergency surgery for a brain haemorrhage after collapsing post-sparring in Denmark. Chapman, who fought for the WBC world featherweight title in 2024, was placed in a medically induced coma after surgery to stop bleeding and reduce swelling. A GoFundMe page supports her repatriation to a UK hospital for rehabilitation.

Chapman’s management, Vote Boxing, reported she was taken off sedatives and awaits supervised repatriation. Her doctors remain hopeful for her recovery. Chapman has a 10-2 professional record, with her last loss being against Skye Nicolson in October 2024.