Lawrence Okolie fails anti-doping test ahead of Tony Yoka fight planned for Paris on May 25
Lawrence Okolie was due to boxing Olympic gold medallist Tony Yoka in Paris in Saturday; But Okolie has failed a drug test and that bout will be called off; Okolie citing treatment for an elbow injury said: "I'm confident any investigation will clear name"
Tuesday 21 April 2026 11:29, UK
Lawrence Okolie has failed an anti-doping test ahead of his scheduled fight against Tony Yoka this weekend.
Queensberry promotions said 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."
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Okolie had been due to fight Olympic gold medallist Yoka in Paris on Saturday.
It was a pivotal contest for the Londoner's career. No 1 ranked with the WBC, Okolie was hoping to position himself for a shot at that heavyweight world championship.
Now that fight will be called off and Okolie has to try to exonerate himself.
Okolie was a world champion at cruiserweight before moving up in weight. He picked up a WBC belt in the new bridgerweight division and was on a run of three victories in his new weight class.
On social media Okolie said: "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."
He added: "I will of course be fully co-operating with all relevant authorities and I'm confident any investigation will clear name.
"I won't be making any further comment at this time. Thank you for all your support and see you soon."
Sky Sports News has contacted VADA for comment.
