Follow Us on Google
British boxer Lawrence Okolie has suffered a major setback after returning an adverse finding in an anti-doping test just days before his scheduled bout against France’s Tony Yoka.
The 33-year-old former cruiserweight world champion was billed to face the 2016 Olympic gold medallist in Paris on Saturday, but the development has thrown the fight into uncertainty.
His promoters confirmed the result in a statement, saying, “(On Monday), 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,” the statement added.
Other News
Following the development, Tuesday’s press conference meant to promote the fight was cancelled at short notice.
Organisers are now considering next steps, including the possibility of finding a replacement opponent for Yoka, who has a professional record of 15 wins and three losses.
Okolie moved up to the heavyweight division at the end of 2024 and has recorded three straight wins since then. He currently holds a strong ranking in the division.
With an overall record of 23 victories, including 17 knockouts, and just one defeat, attention now turns to the outcome of the doping process and what it means for his immediate future in the sport.
