Queensberry Promotions have confirmed that the fight card headlined by Lawrence Okolie has been cancelled after the heavyweight returned an adverse finding in a Voluntary Anti-Doping Association (VADA) test. The 33-year-old was due to face Olympic gold medalist Tony Yoka in Paris on Saturday, but the entire event has been scrapped.
Okolie, known as 'The Sauce', was aiming for his third victory at heavyweight and a push towards world honours. However, the bout was forced to be cancelled days before the event following the test results. The co-main event between Bakary Samake and Ermal Hadribeaj has also been called off.
In a statement, Queensberry and DAZN said: 'Due to circumstances outside of our control, we have regrettably made the decision to cancel this Saturday's scheduled event in Paris.' Promoter Frank Warren confirmed to talkSPORT that Okolie has been suspended from boxing, adding: 'Under the circumstances he is immediately suspended. He will have to deal with a hearing when they convene.'
Okolie has vowed to clear his name, stating on Instagram: '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 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 33-year-old had been calling out top heavyweights, including Moses Itauma, after his knockout win over Ebenezer Tetteh in December. Attempts were made to find a replacement opponent for Yoka, but a deal could not be reached in time.
