British heavyweight contender Lawrence Okolie has returned an adverse doping finding, forcing the cancellation of his scheduled bout against Tony Yoka in Paris this weekend.
Lawrence Okolie, 33, was due to face the French 2016 Olympic champion on Saturday, April 25. However, promoter Queensberry confirmed it was notified on Monday night by the Voluntary Anti-Doping Association that Okolie had “returned an adverse finding following an anti-doping test conducted ahead of the show in Paris this Saturday”.
With Okolie removed from the headline bout, the entire fight night has now been called off. Queensberry said the decision was taken due to “circumstances outside of our control”.
Okolie moved quickly to address the situation, insisting the result is linked to treatment received after suffering another arm injury during training camp.
“Before anyone starts imagining the worst, following my bicep injury last year, I sustained an elbow injury on the same arm during this camp,” Okolie said in a statement posted on social media.
“I had a treatment on it and now we are here. I truly hope sense prevails.
“I will of course be fully cooperating with all relevant authorities and I’m confident any investigation will clear my name.”
The former cruiserweight world champion stepped up to heavyweight in 2024 and remains unbeaten in the division after three fights. His last outing ended in a stoppage win over Ebenezer Tetteh in December.
An investigation is expected to follow, with the timeline for Okolie’s return to the ring now uncertain.
