British boxer Lawrence Okolie has returned an adverse finding from an anti-doping test conducted ahead of his scheduled bout against France's Tony Yoka in Paris on Saturday. The result was confirmed by promoter Queensberry on Tuesday, following notification from the Voluntary Anti-Doping Association (VADA) the previous day. The 33-year-old former cruiserweight world champion, who moved up to heavyweight at the end of 2024, was set to face Yoka, the 2016 Olympic super heavyweight gold medallist. Okolie attributed the test result to medical treatment for an elbow injury sustained during training, following a previous bicep injury, and denied any wrongdoing. "Before anyone starts imagining the worst... I had a treatment on it and now we are here," he said in an Instagram post. He stated he would cooperate fully with authorities and expected to be cleared. The promoters cancelled Tuesday's planned press conference in Paris and said a further update on the event would come in due course. They are also exploring the possibility of securing a new opponent for Yoka, whose professional record stands at 15 wins and three losses. Okolie, ranked seventh in the world in the heavyweight division by Boxrec, has won all three of his fights since moving up, bringing his overall record to 23 wins, 17 by knockout, and one defeat.
Lawrence Okolie claims his doping issue stems from treatment for an elbow injury, yet offers no detail on what substance was found or which authority administered the treatment. His ranking as seventh-best heavyweight means the outcome directly affects Nigeria's own Anthony Joshua, who may face him if the fight proceeds. A cleared name could legitimise the result, but an unresolved case leaves a cloud over the bout's integrity. Nigerian fans relying on official outcomes for betting or support now face uncertainty through no fault of their own.
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