British heavyweight boxer Lawrence Okolie has returned an adverse anti-doping test result days before his scheduled bout in Paris.
Lawrence Okolie has failed a pre-fight drugs test ahead of his planned heavyweight clash with Tony Yoka, promoter Queensberry Promotions confirmed on Tuesday.
The 33-year-old former cruiserweight world champion was due to face Yoka in Paris on Saturday. However, Queensberry said it was informed by the Voluntary Anti-Doping Association (VADA) that Okolie had returned an adverse finding following testing conducted before the event.
Promoters said a further update on the fight card would be announced soon.
Okolie responded on social media, insisting there was nothing sinister behind the result. He said he suffered an elbow injury during training camp after recovering from a previous bicep injury and received treatment on the affected arm.
The British boxer added that he would fully cooperate with investigators and remains confident the process will clear his name.
Tuesday’s press conference in Paris was reportedly cancelled shortly after the test result emerged. Organisers are now exploring possible replacement opponents for Yoka.
Lawrence Okolie moved up to heavyweight at the end of 2024 and has won all three fights since changing divisions. He holds a professional record of 23 victories, including 17 knockouts, with one defeat.
Tony Yoka, the 2016 Olympic super heavyweight champion, currently has a professional record of 15 wins and three losses.
The final outcome of the investigation could now determine whether one of this weekend’s headline fights goes ahead as planned.