After months of waiting for positive updates, the 34-year-old Kiwi has officially had his provisional suspension lifted by UKAD.

This comes after failing a drugs test for cocaine on the day of his 11th-round stoppage loss by Fabio Wardley, who was upgraded to full WBO champion a few weeks later.

Parker (36-4, 24 KOs) has remained around the scene during different fight weeks worldwide, continued training alongside friend Tyson Fury among others while wishing for a swift verdict.

The 14-year pro maintained his innocence throughout, insisting he would have admitted making a mistake had he been intentionally guilty in this case. He also questioned the logic of trying to cheat, being so close to a world title.

When asked about the situation on site at Jai Opetaia's eighth-round knockout win over Huseyin Cinkara in December, the longtime contender told BoxingScene:

"I was devastated [upon hearing of the news]. You have to do all these voluntary drug tests in camp and then all of a sudden you get a bit of a surprise and shock that you fail on a fight day. So, I’m just gonna go through the process of trying to get it cleared, and I want to be in the ring as soon as possible."

Eight months after that interview, he can return to action. Before being removed from The Ring's heavyweight rankings after the drug test, he was joint No. 4 alongside Daniel Dubois in the division.

Much has changed since. Dubois inflicted Wardley's career-first defeat on May 9, Fury returned with two victories after his latest retirement while Ring champion Oleksandr Usyk has vacated his trio of world titles. Moses Itauma-Filip Hrgovic has this week been upgraded, now doubling as a vacant IBF title fight on August 29.

Parker posted a hopeful Facebook update earlier this week, asking and maintaining hope that any interested heavyweights could make the lengthy trip to New Zealand on short-notice for a fight this weekend.

He later confirmed that an opponent had been found and more would be confirmed at a later date.

The former champ is expected to be in attendance this weekend with his promoter hat on, as former world title challenger David Nyika faces Floyd Masson in an IBF final eliminator at the Eventfinda Stadium.

In a statement to New Zealand's The Post and other outlets, he said:

"I'm pleased to confirm my provisional suspension is lifted and I’ll be back in the ring soon. I've been advised to say no more for now while details are finalised.

"Thank you to all my supporters and please join me in backing David Nyika for his world title eliminator this Saturday. I believe Nyika will win this fight and secure a world title shot for New Zealand."

The winner will face European champion Viddal Riley (14-0, 7 KOs) for a shot at a vacant belt last held by Ring champion Opetaia, who was controversially stripped earlier this year.