According to manager David Higgins, former WBO heavyweight champion Joseph Parker has recovered from a suspected spider bite.

Parker is eager and ready to return to the ring before the year is over.

Parker became ill after a suspected spider bite, forcing him to withdraw from a planned fight against Derek Chisora - set down for the Regis Prograis-Josh Taylor bill at The O2 on October 26.

Parker was quickly replaced in the fight by Olympic bronze medal winner David Price.

The illness forced Parker to stay away from active training for over three weeks. He's now back in the gym and wants to resume his spot on a major card - and he still wants to get his hands on Chisora.

"He would love to return before the end of the year, absolutely. He has recovered from what was a three-week lay-off and he's back training, but that's really a question for Eddie Hearn. He's the promoter and we're at their behest. We're realistic and we're just waiting to hear back from Matchroom," Parker told Sky Sports.

"He's in good spirits, he's back in training. I saw the British media sort of mocked the spider bite thing, but the honest feeling for the doctors, we think it actually was a spider bite. I'm no expert, but it sort of destroys your immune system, your health. You are fatigued. He was ordered by medical professionals to stand down for three weeks. Make no mistake, we wanted to fight Chisora, we still do. We'll just see what happens."

If Chisora is able to secure a quick win, Parker would have no problem with facing him before the year is over.

"It depends on how quickly Chisora can turnaround and whether Eddie Hearn or Frank Smith can pull some strings and get us on New York or Saudi Arabia," said Higgins. "It would be a shame if Joseph had to sit out for eight months, but we remain hopeful," Higgins said.

"He's still in camp, his family are with him in Vegas. He's sort of waiting. He is ready and willing, but hey, if not, we must be philosophical."