In May, he spoke again, vehemently professing his innocence and suggesting his sample was contaminated. He also said at that time that he hoped a judgment in Britain would allow him to resume his boxing career.
He told the Herald in May: “Whatever people say or think, I do not care. I’ve done nothing wrong, and I’m waiting for a judgment from UKAD [UK Anti-Doping]. I’ve given all the evidence that we can provide from our team, so we’re just waiting for a judgment they give.”
In Parker’s statement today, he expressed support for compatriot David Nyika, who has an IBF world cruiserweight title eliminator fight against Kiwi-Aussie Floyd Masson in Auckland this weekend.
“And please join me in backing David Nyika for his world title eliminator this Saturday on TVNZ+. I believe Nyika will win this fight and secure a world title shot for New Zealand.”
Parker became world champion in 2016, but lost his WBO belt by unanimous decision to Britain’s Anthony Joshua in Cardiff two years later.