Lawrence Okolie has failed an anti-doping test ahead of his scheduled fight with Tony Yoka this weekend.
“Last night, the Voluntary Anti-Doping Association (VADA) informed Queensberry that an anti-doping test carried out on Lawrence Okolie ahead of this Saturday’s show in Paris came back with adverse findings,” Queensberry’s promotion said on X on Tuesday morning.
“Further updates regarding the event will be announced in due course.”
Okoli was scheduled to face Olympic gold medalist Yoka in Paris on Saturday.
It was a pivotal contest for the Londoner’s career. No. 1 in the WBC rankings, Okolie was hoping to earn a shot at the heavyweight world championship.
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Tony Yoka admits he struggled to cope with the pressure that came after becoming Olympic champion in 2016.
Now that fight has been called off and Okolie must exonerate himself.
Okolie was a cruiserweight world champion before moving up a weight class. He won the WBC belt at the new bridgerweight division and was on a three-fight winning streak in his new weight class.
“Before you imagine the worst, I injured my biceps last year and then injured my elbow in the same arm during this camp. I’ve been treated and now I’m here,” Okolie said on social media.
“I really hope that sense wins.”
He added: “Of course, we will fully cooperate with all relevant authorities and are confident that any investigation will clear our name.”
“We have no further comment at this time. Thank you for your support and we look forward to seeing you again.”
Sky Sports News has contacted VADA for comment.
