Following his defeat to Wardley, Parker failed a voluntary UK Anti-Doping test for a metabolite of cocaine. He vehemently denied ingesting the substance, and had his suspension lifted in August.
Parker maintained throughout the process that his failed test was the result of his exposure to cocaine used by his nutritionist in preparation for the Wardley fight.
UK Anti-Doping confirmed the contamination from his former nutritionist.
Since being cleared to return to the ring Parker has been linked with multiple comeback fights.
Joseph Parker has a chance to challenge Daniel Dubois for the WBO heavyweight world title in January. Photo / Photosport
Earlier this week British boxer Frazer Clarke suggested he could fight Parker on the Tyson Fury and Anthony Joshua undercard in Cardiff on December 11.
However, no discussions have taken place with the Parker camp for him to fight Clarke.
Parker’s long-time manager David Higgins declined to comment but the Herald understands a title shot against Dubois has been formally tabled.
In an ideal world, Parker would have a tune-up fight before challenging Dubois.
While Parker has maintained his fitness during his extended layoff, ring rust presents a high risk. Nothing sharpens reflexes, technique and confidence like dancing under the square-office bright lights. No training or sparring can replicate the pressures of fight night.
With the rival heavyweight champions, Croatia’s Filip Hrgovic and Germany’s Agit Kabayel, tied up with other opponents, veteran Queensberry promoter Frank Warren clearly senses the opportunity to pounce on Parker’s inactivity.
At this stage, Parker challenging Dubois is therefore considered a 50/50 proposition. Parker and his trainer Andy Lee are believed to be pondering the Dubois date as it stands.
Parker could attempt to negotiate a later date to challenge Dubois but without a belt or recent form he has little leverage and Warren will certainly try to exploit any possible advantage.
Parker and Dubois have history, too.
In February 2025, the pair were scheduled to square off in Riyadh for the same WBO title, only for Dubois to pull out two days before the fight with a mysterious illness.
Many within the boxing scene believe Dubois withdrew from fighting Parker to preserve his lucrative unification showdown with heavyweight kingpin Oleksandr Usyk.
In Dubois’ absence, Parker floored Martin Bakole with a second-round knockout blow.
Since his second stoppage loss to Usyk in mid-2025, Dubois has twice beaten Wardley to claim and defend the WBO crown.
In their rematch earlier this month, Dubois destroyed Wardley with a second-round knockout to cement his credentials among the world’s elite heavyweights.
The 29-year-old is in peak fitness and form, in the prime of his career, and a serious threat to anyone who steps in the ring opposite him.
Parker, should he accept the title shot, would effectively come in cold.
Parker claimed the WBO world title 10 years ago with a majority-decision victory over Andy Ruiz Jnr in Auckland.
A decade on from that historic success, a second world title shot has been dangled in front of him.
This time, though, the timing is far from ideal.
Liam Napier is a Senior Sports Journalist and Rugby Correspondent for the New Zealand Herald. He is a co-host of the Rugby Direct podcast.
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