Lawrence Okolie's Paris Bout Cancelled Following Adverse Anti-Doping Test Result
British heavyweight boxer Lawrence Okolie has seen his scheduled fight against French opponent Tony Yoka abruptly cancelled this weekend after returning an adverse finding in a pre-fight anti-doping test. The former cruiserweight world champion, who recently moved up to the heavyweight division, has vowed to clear his name and is cooperating fully with the relevant authorities.
Promoter Queensberry Announces Cancellation After Vada Notification
In an official announcement, promoter Queensberry revealed that the Voluntary Anti-Doping Association (Vada) had informed them late on Tuesday night about Okolie's adverse test result. The test was conducted as part of standard pre-fight screening procedures ahead of the scheduled event in Paris. Queensberry stated that due to circumstances outside their control, they had regrettably made the decision to cancel Saturday's entire event in collaboration with broadcast partner Dazn.
The promotion company wrote: "Last night the Voluntary Anti-Doping Association (Vada) informed Queensberry that Lawrence Okolie returned an adverse finding following an anti-doping test conducted ahead of the show. A further update regarding the event will be made in due course." This was followed by confirmation of the event's cancellation.
Okolie Cites Elbow Treatment and Hopes 'Sense Prevails'
In a personal statement posted on his Instagram account, Okolie provided context for the situation, explaining that he had sustained an elbow injury during his current training camp. The injury occurred on the same arm where he had previously suffered a bicep injury last year. The British fighter revealed he had received treatment for this elbow issue, which he believes is connected to the adverse test finding.
Okolie wrote: "Before anyone starts imagining the worst, following my bicep injury last year, I sustained an elbow injury on the same arm during this camp. I had a treatment on it and now here we are. I truly hope sense prevails. I will of course be fully co-operating with all the relevant authorities and I'm confident any investigation will clear my name."
Press Conference Cancelled Before Fight Called Off
The cancellation of Tuesday's scheduled press conference in Paris served as the first indication that problems had emerged. The promotional event was called off at the last minute before the official announcement that the fight itself would not proceed. Okolie, who is currently ranked as the number one contender by the World Boxing Council (WBC), had been preparing to face Yoka in what was anticipated to be a significant heavyweight clash.
Tony Yoka, the French boxer who won super-heavyweight gold at the 2016 Rio Olympics, brings his own history with anti-doping authorities to this situation. Yoka previously served a one-year ban imposed by the French anti-doping agency in 2018 after failing to provide a doping sample on three separate occasions within a single year. The French fighter holds a professional record of fifteen victories against three defeats.
Investigation Underway as Okolie Awaits Clearance
The British boxer now faces an investigation process that will determine the exact nature of the substance detected in his system and whether any violation of anti-doping regulations has occurred. Okolie has committed to complete transparency and cooperation throughout this process, expressing confidence that he will be exonerated once all facts are properly examined.
This development represents a significant setback for Okolie's heavyweight ambitions, particularly given his top contender status in the WBC rankings. The organization's heavyweight title is currently held by Ukrainian champion Oleksandr Usyk. The cancellation also impacts the broader boxing schedule and leaves both fighters without an immediate competitive opportunity as the investigation proceeds.
