Nigerian-born British boxer and former cruiserweight world champion Lawrence Okolie has failed an anti-doping test ahead of his scheduled bout against Tony Yoka this weekend.
Okolie was due to face Yoka in Paris on Saturday as he continues his pursuit of a move into the heavyweight division.
Queensberry Promotions confirmed the development in a statement on X on Tuesday morning: “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 in Paris this Saturday.
“A further update regarding the event will be made in due course.”
Okolie has since responded on social media, offering an initial explanation.
“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 wrote. “I had 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. I won’t be making any further comments at this time. Thank you for all your support, and see you soon.”
Okolie and Yoka both competed at the Rio 2016 Olympics, albeit in different weight categories. Okolie exited without a medal, while Yoka won gold in the super-heavyweight division, defeating Joe Joyce in a controversial final.
Since then, Okolie has gone on to become a world champion at cruiserweight before losing his title to Chris Billam-Smith three years ago.
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